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LEED v4.1

Existing Buildings
Energy and Atmosphere
Energy Performance

LEED CREDIT

EBOM-v4.1 EAp3: Energy Performance Required

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SPECIAL REPORT

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

Requirements

Have permanently installed energy meters or submeters that measure total building energy consumption (electricity, natural gas, chilled water, steam, fuel oil, propane, etc). Utility-owned meters capable of aggregating total project energy use are acceptable.

For Interiors projects, have permanently installed sub-meters that measure all electricity and fossil fuels for equipment within the project scope. Alternately, interiors projects may pro-rate energy use, using occupancy and base building energy use over twelve consecutive months.

Calibrate meters within the manufacturer’s recommended interval if the project owner, management organization, or tenant owns the meter. Meters owned by third parties (e.g., utilities or governments) are exempt.

Measure the project’s energy use on a monthly basis for twelve consecutive months (one full year). Use the twelve months of energy use data to obtain an energy performance score.

LEED points are based on project energy performance across two metrics: greenhouse gas emissions and source energy. For each metric, obtain a minimum performance score of 40 and associated minimum points in order to meet the prerequisite.

Table 1. LEED Points for GHG Emissions Score
GHG Emissions Score LEED Points
40 (Required for initial certification) 6.5 (Required for initial certification)
41 7
44 7.5
47 8
50 8.5
54 9
57 9.5
60 10
63 10.5
66 11
69 11.5
72 12
75 12.5
78 13
81 13.5
84 14
87 14.5
90 15
93 15.5
96 16
99 16.5
AND
Table 2. LEED Points for Source Energy Score
Source Energy Score LEED Points
40 (Required for initial certification) 6.5 (Required for initial certification)
41 7
44 7.5
47 8
50 8.5
54 9
57 9.5
60 10
63 10.5
66 11
69 11.5
72 12
75 12.5
78 13
81 13.5
84 14
87 14.5
90 15
93 15.5
96 16
99 16.5
LEED points are calculated based on the project score for each metric; the GHG emissions score and source energy score are each weighted 50% of the energy performance score. LEED points are rounded up to the nearest whole number and awarded according to Table 3.
Table 3. LEED Points for Energy Performance Score
Energy Performance Score LEED Points
40 (Required for initial certification) 13 (Required for initial certification)
41 14
44 15
47 16
50 17
54 18
57 19
60 20
63 21
66 22
69 23
72 24
75 25
78 26
81 27
84 28
87 29
90 30
93 31
96 32
99 33
GHG Emissions Score:
The GHG emissions score rates the building’s total greenhouse gas emissions against the total greenhouse gas emissions of comparable high-performing buildings.
The score is a value from 1-100 based on the project’s GHG emissions per occupant and GHG emissions per floor area.
GHG Emissions Score calculation
To calculate a GHG emissions score, the following data is required:
  • Annual Energy consumption (kBtu), with monthly or daily totals and distinguished by fuel type
  • Gross floor area (sq. ft. or sq. m.)
  • Weighted occupancy
  • Weighted operating hours
  • Outside air temperature
  • Location
The energy consumption is converted into equivalent GHG emissions, using the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regional grid mix coefficients for U.S. and Canadian projects, and other emission factor lists as appropriate for international projects such as national grid mix coefficients from the International Energy Agency. The grid mix coefficient values are kept up to date with release updates.

This is the Annual Emissions (mTCO2e)

GHG emissions are adjusted for weighted operating hours and outside temperature and converted into daily GHG emissions using Equation 1.

Equation 1: adjusted GHG emissions = (GHG emissions * outside temperature adjustment factor * operating hours adjustment factor) / 365 days

The operating hours adjustment factor is determined using the figure in Table 4. The adjustment factor accounts for typical LEED buildings operations of 50 hours a week.

Table 4. Operating hours adjustment factor


GHG emissions per occupant is calculated by dividing the adjusted GHG emissions by the weighted occupancy

Equation 2. GHG emissions per occupant = adjusted GHG emissions / weighted occupancy

GHG emissions per floor area is calculated by dividing the adjusted GHG emissions by the gross floor area.

Equation 3: GHG emissions per floor area = adjusted GHG emissions / gross floor area

The project’s calculated GHG emissions per occupant and GHG emissions per floor area are input into the energy scoring function for the specific project type.

The energy scoring function was developed using energy consumption data from high-performing buildings. The data set includes LEED buildings that shared their energy consumption data with USGBC as part of the whole-building energy and water usage requirement.

Source Energy Score:
The source energy score rates the building’s total energy consumption against the total energy consumption of comparable high-performing buildings.

The score is a value from 1-100 based on the project’s source energy consumption per occupant and per floor area.

Source Energy Score calculation
To calculate a source energy score, the following data is required:
  • Annual Energy consumption, with monthly or daily totals and distinguished by fuel type
  • Gross floor area (sq. ft. or sq. m.)
  • Weighted occupancy
  • Weighted operating hours
  • Outside temperature
  • Location
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Cost estimates for this credit

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Our tab contains overall cost guidance, notes on what “soft costs” to expect, and a strategy-by-strategy breakdown of what to consider and what it might cost, in percentage premiums, actual costs, or both.

This information is also available in a full PDF download in The Cost of LEED v4 report.

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Addenda

2/6/2023 – Updated: 2/9/2023
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Under Step by Step, Step 3, change the title of Step 3 to: "Input energy data" and revise the first two bullets to read as:
 Input your building’s energy use in Arc/LEED Online. Use one of the following methods:
 Upload the Arc Data Template

Edit the 5th bullet to read as: "Enter data directly"

Add the following language under the bullet points:
"It is recommended to provide data formatted with each energy meter listed separately. If providing combined data include a calculation or summary table showing how the values were determined. Only combine data from meters with identical service dates."

Add the following language after the sentence that reads "Make sure there are no gaps...":
"If an energy meter is not used for part of the year (e.g. the meter went out of service/was replaced) make sure the data for the meter includes the entire reporting period by including zero for the months where energy has not been consumed."

Delete: "Also input your weighted occupancy, weighted operating hours, and gross floor area (see How it Works step 4. Get started) via the USGBC calculator."

Under Step 4, add the following language after the first sentence:
" The energy score will be calculated using the floor area, occupancy, weekly operating hours, project location, and emission factor information provided for the project (see Definitions and custom emissions factor section below)

Emissions factors
Unless otherwise specified, default standard emissions factors will be used to convert energy consumption into equivalent GHG emissions, using the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regional grid mix coefficients for U.S. and Canadian projects, and national grid mix coefficients from the International Energy Agency. The grid mix coefficient values are kept up to date with U.S. EPA and IEA release updates.

A feature to use a custom emissions factor for electricity sources is available. In most cases, the standard emissions factor should be used, but if an alternative value is more appropriate for the project, and the alternative factor is pre-approved by GBCI, a custom factor may be used.

For pre-approval, submit a formal request to GBCI at www.gbci.org/contact with justification for why the use of custom emissions factors is appropriate and necessary for the project, identify and provide the source of the emissions factors data, and describe how the emissions factors were developed. "

Revise Required Documentation to read as:
"- Utility invoices for all fuels, with consumption values and dates highlighted
o Internal meter reading logs may be provided in place of utility invoices where the latter are not applicable, but a narrative should be provided to explain the
circumstances (e.g., the building does not have utility meters and energy consumption is measured with building-owned meters).
- Energy performance score, GHG emissions score, source energy score result. A minimum performance score of 40/100 is required for initial certification
- Copy of pre-approval of custom emissions factor from GBCI (If custom emission factor is being used)
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
2/6/2023 – Updated: 2/9/2023
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
In the first row of Table 1, 2, and 3, add "for initial certification" to the required values.

Under "GHG Emissions Score Calculation, edit the first paragraph to read as: "The energy consumption is converted into equivalent GHG emissions, using the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regional grid mix coefficients for U.S. and Canadian projects, and other emission factor lists as appropriate for international projects such as national grid mix coefficients from the International Energy Agency. The grid mix coefficient values are kept up to date with release updates.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/9/2021 – Updated: 4/19/2021
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
Under the “GHG emissions” section in the sentence that begins “The energy consumption is converted into…”, make the following changes:

(1) add “the latest” before “U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s” and
(2) delete the words “’s (IEA) C02 Emissions from Fuel Combustion 2013 report” after “International Energy Agency”
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
7/25/2019 – Updated: 11/6/2020
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Remove the following:

LT prerequisite Transportation Performance
"Note: at this time, the transportation performance score calculated is only based on one-way, one-day survey information. USGBC is in the process of updating the survey platform and scoring to include two-way one-week information."

EA prerequisite Energy Performance
"Note: at this time, the energy performance score calculated is only based on GHG emissions. USGBC is in the process of updating the scoring to include source energy. In the meantime, projects are eligible to earn up to the full 33 points based GHG emissions score."

EQ prerequisite Indoor Environmental Quality Performance
"Note: at this time, the Human Experience score is calculated as one-third occupant satisfaction score, one-third CO2 score, and one-third TVOC score. USGBC is in the process of updating the scoring to be half occupant satisfaction, one-quarter CO2 score, and one-quarter TVOC score (as specified in the rating system language)."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
7/25/2019 – Updated: 11/6/2020
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Correct final sentence to the following:
"Also input your weighted occupancy, weighted operating hours, and gross floor area (see How it Works step 4. Get started) via the USGBC calculator."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
4/9/2019 – Updated: 4/9/2019
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
Add "(Required)" after the 40 point threshold
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
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Documentation toolkit

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USGBC logo

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

Requirements

Have permanently installed energy meters or submeters that measure total building energy consumption (electricity, natural gas, chilled water, steam, fuel oil, propane, etc). Utility-owned meters capable of aggregating total project energy use are acceptable.

For Interiors projects, have permanently installed sub-meters that measure all electricity and fossil fuels for equipment within the project scope. Alternately, interiors projects may pro-rate energy use, using occupancy and base building energy use over twelve consecutive months.

Calibrate meters within the manufacturer’s recommended interval if the project owner, management organization, or tenant owns the meter. Meters owned by third parties (e.g., utilities or governments) are exempt.

Measure the project’s energy use on a monthly basis for twelve consecutive months (one full year). Use the twelve months of energy use data to obtain an energy performance score.

LEED points are based on project energy performance across two metrics: greenhouse gas emissions and source energy. For each metric, obtain a minimum performance score of 40 and associated minimum points in order to meet the prerequisite.

Table 1. LEED Points for GHG Emissions Score
GHG Emissions Score LEED Points
40 (Required for initial certification) 6.5 (Required for initial certification)
41 7
44 7.5
47 8
50 8.5
54 9
57 9.5
60 10
63 10.5
66 11
69 11.5
72 12
75 12.5
78 13
81 13.5
84 14
87 14.5
90 15
93 15.5
96 16
99 16.5
AND
Table 2. LEED Points for Source Energy Score
Source Energy Score LEED Points
40 (Required for initial certification) 6.5 (Required for initial certification)
41 7
44 7.5
47 8
50 8.5
54 9
57 9.5
60 10
63 10.5
66 11
69 11.5
72 12
75 12.5
78 13
81 13.5
84 14
87 14.5
90 15
93 15.5
96 16
99 16.5
LEED points are calculated based on the project score for each metric; the GHG emissions score and source energy score are each weighted 50% of the energy performance score. LEED points are rounded up to the nearest whole number and awarded according to Table 3.
Table 3. LEED Points for Energy Performance Score
Energy Performance Score LEED Points
40 (Required for initial certification) 13 (Required for initial certification)
41 14
44 15
47 16
50 17
54 18
57 19
60 20
63 21
66 22
69 23
72 24
75 25
78 26
81 27
84 28
87 29
90 30
93 31
96 32
99 33
GHG Emissions Score:
The GHG emissions score rates the building’s total greenhouse gas emissions against the total greenhouse gas emissions of comparable high-performing buildings.
The score is a value from 1-100 based on the project’s GHG emissions per occupant and GHG emissions per floor area.
GHG Emissions Score calculation
To calculate a GHG emissions score, the following data is required:
  • Annual Energy consumption (kBtu), with monthly or daily totals and distinguished by fuel type
  • Gross floor area (sq. ft. or sq. m.)
  • Weighted occupancy
  • Weighted operating hours
  • Outside air temperature
  • Location
The energy consumption is converted into equivalent GHG emissions, using the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regional grid mix coefficients for U.S. and Canadian projects, and other emission factor lists as appropriate for international projects such as national grid mix coefficients from the International Energy Agency. The grid mix coefficient values are kept up to date with release updates.

This is the Annual Emissions (mTCO2e)

GHG emissions are adjusted for weighted operating hours and outside temperature and converted into daily GHG emissions using Equation 1.

Equation 1: adjusted GHG emissions = (GHG emissions * outside temperature adjustment factor * operating hours adjustment factor) / 365 days

The operating hours adjustment factor is determined using the figure in Table 4. The adjustment factor accounts for typical LEED buildings operations of 50 hours a week.

Table 4. Operating hours adjustment factor


GHG emissions per occupant is calculated by dividing the adjusted GHG emissions by the weighted occupancy

Equation 2. GHG emissions per occupant = adjusted GHG emissions / weighted occupancy

GHG emissions per floor area is calculated by dividing the adjusted GHG emissions by the gross floor area.

Equation 3: GHG emissions per floor area = adjusted GHG emissions / gross floor area

The project’s calculated GHG emissions per occupant and GHG emissions per floor area are input into the energy scoring function for the specific project type.

The energy scoring function was developed using energy consumption data from high-performing buildings. The data set includes LEED buildings that shared their energy consumption data with USGBC as part of the whole-building energy and water usage requirement.

Source Energy Score:
The source energy score rates the building’s total energy consumption against the total energy consumption of comparable high-performing buildings.

The score is a value from 1-100 based on the project’s source energy consumption per occupant and per floor area.

Source Energy Score calculation
To calculate a source energy score, the following data is required:
  • Annual Energy consumption, with monthly or daily totals and distinguished by fuel type
  • Gross floor area (sq. ft. or sq. m.)
  • Weighted occupancy
  • Weighted operating hours
  • Outside temperature
  • Location

In the end, LEED is all about documentation. LEEDuser’s Documentation Toolkit, for premium members only, saves you time and helps you avoid mistakes with:

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  • Tracking spreadsheets for materials purchases.
  • Spreadsheets and forms to give to subs and other team members.
  • Guidance documents on arcane LEED issues.
  • Sample templates to help guide your narratives and LEED Online submissions.
  • Examples of actual submissions from certified LEED projects.
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