SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Energy and Carbon

Topic

HVAC Efficiency

Question #

E10.2 — On-site Combustion

Question

Has the building transitioned off all forms of on-site combustion?

Applicability

All asset classes
Owner/landlord occupied building
Tenant occupied building

Answer & Scoring

  • Yes — equipment has transitioned = 3 points
  • No — equipment has not transitioned = 0 points
  • Not Applicable – On-site combustion was never used = 0/0

Max of 3 points

Requirements

  1. Provide a brief summary attesting that there is no onsite combustion equipment used at the property as part of regular building operations
  2. Describe the building systems present that do not utilize on-site combustion

Typical on-site combustion equipment delivers space and domestic water heating and may include equipment such as gas-fired boilers, gas-fired rooftop units, makeup air units, or gas-fired water heaters.

The following combustion equipment is excluded from this Question:

  • Tenant-specific equipment used in restaurants (cooking etc.)
  • Emergency generators or back-up power equipment using diesel or other fuels
  • District heating systems serving the building

Points will be awarded regardless of when the transition occurred. The building team only needs to demonstrate that on-site combustion was part of the original building and has since transitioned.

Note that this question is pertinent to the systems installed prior to and/or during tenancy and must be answered regardless of whether the systems are managed by the tenant.

Documentation

  • Evidence that there is no equipment in use as part of regular building operations that relies on-site combustible energy sources

Suggested Lead

In-house

Value

  • On-site combustion, such as burning fuel for heating, is responsible for significant carbon emissions and can affect occupant health
  • Achieve full building electrification by eliminating on-site combustion
  • Building electrification is crucial for buildings pursing decarbonization and net-zero carbon goals

RELATED Question:

Description

Mechanical equipment and HVAC system efficiency offer the most impactful opportunity for active energy and carbon reduction across all fuel types. To achieve decarbonization goals, building management should plan to replace end-of-life, inefficient or high carbon equipment with high efficiency, low carbon options as part of asset renewals.

Heat recovery should be considered for all systems as a strategy for reducing consumption.

Electrification works toward elimination of carbon emissions related to onsite combustion and improves opportunities for reduced electricity-related emissions through energy supply from clean grids (either now or in the future) and the use of renewable energy.

References

None

Adapted BB 3.0 Question

New in BOMA BEST 4.0