The Owner's Project Requirements document (OPR) establishes the owner's goals, requirements and expectations for everything related to energy consumption and operation. The energy-related expectations and requirements of the building must be documented before the design phase of the project. This document includes:
1. Energy efficiency goals.
2. Ventilation requirements.
3. Project program, including facility functions and hours of operation, and need for after-hours operation.
4. Equipment and systems expectations.
The OPR documents the functional requirements of the project and expectations of the building use and operation as it relates to systems being commissioned. The OPR describes the physical and functional building characteristics desired by the owner and establishes performance and acceptance criteria. The OPR is most effective when developed during pre-design and used to develop the BOD during the design process. The detail and complexity of the OPR will vary according to building use, type, and systems.
The owner or owner’s representative shows compliance by developing or approving the OPR before the design phase. An OPR template is available in the NRCC-CXR-E document. The OPR should include:
A. Energy Efficiency Goals - Establish energy efficiency goals, which may include:
1. Overall energy efficiency.
2. Lighting system efficiency.
3. HVAC equipment efficiency & characteristics.
4. Any other measures affecting energy efficiency desired by the owner
a. Building orientation and siting
b. Daylighting
c. Facade, envelope, and fenestration
d. Roof
e. Natural ventilation
f. Onsite renewable power generation and zero net energy use
g. Landscaping and shading
B. Ventilation Requirements - Describe indoor ventilation requirements including intended use and schedule for each program space.
C. Project Program, including facility functions and hours of operation, and need for after-hours operation - Describe primary purpose, program, and use of proposed project, such as:
1. Building size, number of stories, construction type, occupancy type, and number.
2. Building program areas including intended use and anticipated occupancy schedules.
3. Future expandability and flexibility of spaces.
4. Quality and/or durability of materials and building lifespan desired.
5. Budget or operational constraints.
6. Applicable codes.
D. Equipment and Systems Expectations - For each system commissioned describe the:
1. Level of quality, reliability, equipment type, automation, flexibility, maintenance, and complexity desired.
2. Specific efficiency targets, desired technologies, or preferred manufacturers for building systems.
3. Degree of system integration, automation, and functionality for controls (i.e. load shedding, demand response, and energy management).
E. Building Envelope Performance Expectations – For each assembly that contains a special feature describe the:
1. Assembly type, such as, floors, foundations, walls, ceilings, and roofs.
2. Characteristics that merit special attention.
F. Enforcement - The building official confirms compliance at plan review by either:
1. Receipt of a copy of the OPR (optional).
2. Receipt of a completed NRCC-CXR-E indicating the OPR was reviewed at the design review kickoff.