Local Energy Assistance Program
LEAP - 1
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The Local Energy Assistance
Program (LEAP-1) is a planning tool to be used in the
design and evaluation of local residential developments.
The purpose of the tool is to evaluate potential energy
and cost savings for implementing a range of alternatives
to a proposed development plan. Some of the alternatives
apply at the level of the individual residence (Building-Level)
while others apply to the development as a whole. Improvements
and savings at the development level are also called "Community-Level"
improvements and savings.LEAP-1
targets six areas for alternatives analysis:
Building
Orientation
Building
Orientation allows the user to analyze the energy consumption
of buildings under an alternative plan in which the buildings’
orientation may differ from the proposed plan.
Street
Design
Changes
in a development’s street design may produce construction
cost and energy savings, as well as other less tangible
benefits.
Street
Lighting
LEAP-1
allows the user to evaluate different street lighting
designs for a proposed development. Changing street lighting
designs may affect construction costs and energy consumption.
Tree
Canopy
From
the perspective of energy efficiency, street trees can
reduce cooling energy consumption in dwelling units by
reducing the surrounding ambient air temperature. LEAP-1’s
tree canopy alternative provides a tool with which the
user can indicate different tree planting designs and
evaluate potential energy savings.
Drainage
Design
Altering
the drainage system in a community creates opportunities
for saving on construction costs and energy. Energy savings
are due to reduced pumping needs.
Energy
Efficient Building Improvements
LEAP-1
has the ability to model energy savings for six types
of building improvements. The improvements are above and
beyond the requirements set forth in Title 24.Measures
include:
- Sun
Screens
- High-efficiency
Water Heater
- High-efficiency
Air Conditioner
- High-efficiency
Heating Furnace
- Shade
Trees
- Whole
House Fans
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