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LEED v4.1

Core and Shell
Energy and Atmosphere
Fundamental Refrigerant Management

LEED CREDIT

CS-v4.1 EAp4: Fundamental Refrigerant Management Required

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WSP
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Credit language

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© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

Intent

To reduce stratospheric ozone depletion.

Requirements

Do not use chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) or hydro chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-based refrigerants in new heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems. When reusing existing HVAC&R equipment, complete a comprehensive CFC and/or HCFC phase-out conversion before project completion. Phase-out plans extending beyond the project completion date will be considered on their merits. Existing small HVAC&R units (defined as containing less than 0.5 pound [225 grams] of refrigerant) and other equipment, such as standard refrigerators, small water coolers, and any other equipment that contains less than 0.5 pound (225 grams) of refrigerant, are exempt.

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Addenda

11/10/2020 – Updated: 11/25/2020
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
1. Delete the phrase "There are no substantive changes to prerequisite requirements;", capitalize the R in "Refer", and add the words "edits and" after the words "with the following".

2. Add new section "Behind the Intent:". Below the section header add the following text:
"Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) have shorter atmospheric lives than CFCs, but they still contribute to ozone depletion. Similar to CFCs, HCFCs have phase-out dates scheduled under the Montreal Protocol.

Both HCFCs and CFCs must be addressed to meet this prerequisite."

"Wherever CFCs are mentioned in the LEED v4 reference guide, the guidance also applies to HCFCs."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
11/10/2020 – Updated: 11/25/2020
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
In the first sentence of the requirements, add "or hydro chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) -" after "Do not use chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)" and before "based refrigerants..."

In the sentence that begins "When reusing existing HVAC&R equipment", add "and/or HCFC" after "a comprehensive CFC" and before "phase-out conversion before project completion".
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
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CEM, CPMP, BECxP, CxA+BE, EIT, LEED GA

WSP
Senior Commissioning Agent

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USGBC logo

© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

Intent

To reduce stratospheric ozone depletion.

Requirements

Do not use chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) or hydro chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-based refrigerants in new heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems. When reusing existing HVAC&R equipment, complete a comprehensive CFC and/or HCFC phase-out conversion before project completion. Phase-out plans extending beyond the project completion date will be considered on their merits. Existing small HVAC&R units (defined as containing less than 0.5 pound [225 grams] of refrigerant) and other equipment, such as standard refrigerators, small water coolers, and any other equipment that contains less than 0.5 pound (225 grams) of refrigerant, are exempt.

LEEDuser expert

headshot

Paul Swierc

CEM, CPMP, BECxP, CxA+BE, EIT, LEED GA

WSP
Senior Commissioning Agent

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