A project team is pursuing points under EAc3: Enhanced Energy Efficiency using a whole-building energy...

Under whole-building performance modeling, operating schedules generally must be identical between the baseline and proposed building models unless a specific exception or approved exceptional calculation permits a difference. This prevents artificial energy savings from being created simply by assuming fewer operating hours, lower occupancy, or reduced equipment operation in the proposed model. USGBC guidance specifically states that occupancy, lighting, HVAC, receptacle-power, and service-hot-water schedules should represent project operation and remain identical between baseline and proposed cases except where Appendix G permits otherwise. Roof characteristics and HVAC capacities are established according to the applicable baseline and proposed design requirements and may differ. Building orientation also has specific Appendix G modeling rules. Consequently, the common operational input that should remain consistent between the two models is the building operation schedule, making Option A correct.