Space Type Definitions

 

Each space type entered into Target Finder must adhere to specific eligibility rule sets in order to qualify for the energy performance rating. To view the rule sets for a specific space type, see each Space Type definition help page specified below.

 

When rating a mixed-use facility, each space type must meet the requirements of its respective rule set.

 

In the case where a single space type is divided to specify varied occupancy density or schedules, the aggregate floor area for that space type will be used for the gross floor area requirement.

 

Building Designation

 

The energy performance rating system compares your building design project estimated energy use to its peer group of similar existing (operating) buildings in the national population. This peer group is identified through a random nationally representative survey, typically the Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS), which is conducted every four years by the Department of Energy. In order to identify your design’s group of peers, more than 50% of the gross floor area (excluding parking lots and garages) must be defined by one of the following space types:

 

Bank/Financial Institutions

Data Centers

Courthouses

Hospital (General Medical and Surgical)

Hotels

House of Worship

K-12 Schools

Medical Offices

Offices

Residence Halls/Dormitories

Retail Stores

Senior Care Facilities

Supermarkets

Warehouses (refrigerated and non-refrigerated)

 

The remainder of your building design may be occupied by other space types in Target Finder, subject to the following restrictions:

 

  1. The combined floor area of all enclosed and not enclosed parking structures cannot exceed the total gross floor area of the building (where the gross floor area of the building excludes the parking floor area).

  2. The combined floor area of any space classified as "Other” (e.g., library, restaurant, cafeteria, etc.) cannot exceed 10% of the total gross floor area of the building (where gross floor area of the building excludes the parking floor area).

  3. The combined floor area of all "Multifamily Housing" spaces cannot exceed 10% of the total gross floor area of the building (where the gross floor area of the building excludes the parking floor area).

  4. If your building is a Hospital (i.e. if Hospital accounts for more than 50% of your space) the only other spaces that may be entered are:

 

Operating Characteristics

 

Target Finder requires data inputs for key operating characteristics for each space and/or the estimated energy use for the building design. There are minimum and maximum thresholds for operating characteristics. These limits are designed to make sure that your building design falls into an operation pattern consistent with that of the peer group used for comparison. In order to be eligible to receive an energy performance rating the requirements listed below are summarized for quick reference:

 

1. All buildings must:

a. be at least 5,000 ft2, with four exceptions:

i. If the building is a Bank, it may be as small as 1,000 square foot

ii. If the building is a Hospital, it must be at least 20,000 square foot

iii. If the building is a House of Worship, it may be as small as 1,000 square foot

iv. Data Centers do not have a square foot minimum

b. be in operation at least 30 hours per week with two exceptions:

i. This does not apply to buildings that are not asked for hours of operation, such as Hotels and Hospitals

ii. This does not apply to Houses of Worship.

c. contain at least 1 worker during the main shift

i. This does not apply for hospitals or any other building type that does not have "Workers on Main Shift" listed as a required operational characteristic.

2. All Office, Bank, and Courthouse spaces must contain at least 1 Personal Computer (PC). Retail stores must contain at least 1 register but can have 0 personal computers.

3. If the facility is a Hospital, it must have

a. At least one Full-time Equivalent (FTE) Worker

b. At least one Staffed Bed

4. If the facility is a Retail store, it must have an exterior entrance to the public.

5. Residence halls/Dormitories must contain at least 5 rooms.

6. If the facility is a Hotel, it must include at least one room

7. Houses of Worship must have at least 25 seats and no more than 4,000 seats