Energy performance analysis for LEED certification: a case study on the “L’amorosa” Project

This thesis presents an energy modeling study for a large-scale resort located in the Tuscany region of Italy, aimed at supporting the LEED v4.1 BD+C certification process. The energy modeling has been conducted using DesignBuilder, a simulation software based on EnergyPlus, to evaluate and document the resort’s compliance with Minimum Energy Performance and Optimize Energy Performance credits under the Energy and Atmosphere category of LEED. The analysis includes the development of a detailed energy model to assess the resort's overall energy performance, considering building envelope characteristics, HVAC system efficiency, and operational strategies. The study follows the ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G Performance Rating Method, comparing the proposed design against a baseline model to quantify energy savings. By leveraging energy simulation and performance optimization techniques, this study provides a comprehensive assessment of energy conservation measures, guiding design decisions to achieve a higher LEED certification level. The findings contribute to sustainable building design strategies for large-scale hospitality projects, demonstrating the role of energy modeling in enhancing building performance, reducing environmental impact, and achieving LEED compliance.