Add the following text as a second paragraph in the section:Existing small HVAC units (defined as containing less than 0.5 pounds of refrigerant) and other equipment, such as standard refrigerators, small water coolers and any other equipment that contains less than 0.5 pounds of refrigerant, are not considered part of the base building system and are not subject to the requirements of this prerequisite.
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Paul Swierc
CEM, CPMP, BECxP, CxA+BE, EIT, LEED GA
Senior Commissioning Agent
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Credit language
© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.
Requirements
Zero use of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-based refrigerants in new base building heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems. When reusing existing base building HVAC equipment, complete a comprehensive CFC phase-out conversion prior to project completion. Phase-out plans extending beyond the project completion date will be considered on their merits. Existing small HVAC units (defined as containing less than 0.5 pounds (228 grams) of refrigerant) and other equipment, such as standard refrigerators, small water coolers and any other equipment that contains less than 0.5 pounds (228 grams) of refrigerant, are not considered part of the base building system and are not subject to the requirements of this prerequisite.
Credit substitution available
You may use the LEED v4 version of this credit on v2009 projects. For more information check out this article.What does it cost?
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.
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Learn more about The Cost of LEED v4 »Frequently asked questions
My project will not use any mechanical ventilation system. Does that satisfy the requirements of this credit?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Addenda
2/2/2011 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
2/2/2011 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
Add the following text as a second paragraph in the section:Existing small HVAC units (defined as containing less than 0.5 pounds of refrigerant) and other equipment, such as standard refrigerators, small water coolers and any other equipment that contains less than 0.5 pounds of refrigerant, are not considered part of the base building system and are not subject to the requirements of this prerequisite.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
7/6/2012 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Global ACP
Description of change:
Add "[0.227 kg]" after both instances of "0.5 pounds"
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
5/9/2011 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
After the first sentence, add, "HCFCs are not part of this prerequisite."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
10/1/2012 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Global ACP
Description of change:
Replace the definition of "chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)" with "a compound of carbon, hydrogen, chlorine and fluorine, once commonly used in refrigeration, that depletes the stratospheric ozone layer."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
2/22/2008
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:
CIRs have been posted under LEED-NC v2.0/2.1 stating that if a project team could reduce the potential use of CFC chillers to less than 5% of the time on an annual basis, then the project would qualify for the extended phase-out period of 5 to 7 years, assuming correct documentation is provided (as outlined in the EAp3 CIR Ruling dated 12/01/03). Would this same ruling apply to our project pursuing LEED-NCv2.2 for a planned 7-year phase out? Details of the project and the team\'s intended plans to demonstrate compliance are described below: The project is a multi-phased major renovation and demolition of the PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center located in Eugene, Oregon. The LEED-NC v2.2 project scope includes the two buildings referred to as the Main and Ancillary, both of which will undergo major renovations as a result of the project. The buildings will be cooled by 2 chillers, an existing 300-ton chiller and a new 600-ton chiller. The existing 300-ton centrifugal chiller located in the basement of the Main Building was manufactured by Carrier and installed in 1982. It had a major motor rebuild in approximately 1986. This unit supplies chilled water to the six air handlers in the Main second floor mechanical room that provide cooling to all the Main Building floors. This chiller uses R-11 refrigerant, which is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and therefore violates the prerequisite requirements. The new 600-ton chiller will serve the Main and Ancillary Buildings in addition to the existing 300 ton chiller. Based on our load calculations, the peak cooling load in the Main Building is 435 tons and the Ancillary load is 450 tons. With these loads and Eugene weather data, the cooling load should not exceed 600 tons more for than 5% of the time. The 300 ton chiller will therefore be used less than 5% of the time. As the CFC chiller will be used less than 5% of the time, the project team is requesting a 7-year phase-out extension. In order to demonstrate compliance with the prerequisite the project will provide: 1) A summary of the new and existing buildings on campus and the cooling load of each building, 2) Sizes for each of the new and existing chillers, 3) A description of chiller staging to demonstrate use of CFC-free chillers as backup, and, 4) A letter of commitment from the owner, describing the phase-out plan and timeframe.
Ruling:
This inquiry is requesting to use a 7 year phase-out process for CFC refrigerants in order to qualify for EAp3 on a LEED NC v2.2 project where the CFC chiller will account for less than 5% of the building\'s cooling load. The process and supporting documentation outlined in this CIR represent an acceptable approach to meeting this requirement. Applicable Internationally.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
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© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.
Requirements
Zero use of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-based refrigerants in new base building heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems. When reusing existing base building HVAC equipment, complete a comprehensive CFC phase-out conversion prior to project completion. Phase-out plans extending beyond the project completion date will be considered on their merits. Existing small HVAC units (defined as containing less than 0.5 pounds (228 grams) of refrigerant) and other equipment, such as standard refrigerators, small water coolers and any other equipment that contains less than 0.5 pounds (228 grams) of refrigerant, are not considered part of the base building system and are not subject to the requirements of this prerequisite.
Credit substitution available
You may use the LEED v4 version of this credit on v2009 projects. For more information check out this article.XX%
Upgrade to LEEDuser Premium to see how many projects achieved this credit. Try it free »
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- Examples of actual submissions from certified LEED projects.
My project will not use any mechanical ventilation system. Does that satisfy the requirements of this credit?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
2/2/2011 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Add the following text as a second paragraph in the section:Existing small HVAC units (defined as containing less than 0.5 pounds of refrigerant) and other equipment, such as standard refrigerators, small water coolers and any other equipment that contains less than 0.5 pounds of refrigerant, are not considered part of the base building system and are not subject to the requirements of this prerequisite.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
2/2/2011 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
Add the following text as a second paragraph in the section:Existing small HVAC units (defined as containing less than 0.5 pounds of refrigerant) and other equipment, such as standard refrigerators, small water coolers and any other equipment that contains less than 0.5 pounds of refrigerant, are not considered part of the base building system and are not subject to the requirements of this prerequisite.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
7/6/2012 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Global ACP
Description of change:
Add "[0.227 kg]" after both instances of "0.5 pounds"
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
5/9/2011 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
After the first sentence, add, "HCFCs are not part of this prerequisite."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
10/1/2012 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Global ACP
Description of change:
Replace the definition of "chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)" with "a compound of carbon, hydrogen, chlorine and fluorine, once commonly used in refrigeration, that depletes the stratospheric ozone layer."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
2/22/2008
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:
CIRs have been posted under LEED-NC v2.0/2.1 stating that if a project team could reduce the potential use of CFC chillers to less than 5% of the time on an annual basis, then the project would qualify for the extended phase-out period of 5 to 7 years, assuming correct documentation is provided (as outlined in the EAp3 CIR Ruling dated 12/01/03). Would this same ruling apply to our project pursuing LEED-NCv2.2 for a planned 7-year phase out? Details of the project and the team\'s intended plans to demonstrate compliance are described below: The project is a multi-phased major renovation and demolition of the PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center located in Eugene, Oregon. The LEED-NC v2.2 project scope includes the two buildings referred to as the Main and Ancillary, both of which will undergo major renovations as a result of the project. The buildings will be cooled by 2 chillers, an existing 300-ton chiller and a new 600-ton chiller. The existing 300-ton centrifugal chiller located in the basement of the Main Building was manufactured by Carrier and installed in 1982. It had a major motor rebuild in approximately 1986. This unit supplies chilled water to the six air handlers in the Main second floor mechanical room that provide cooling to all the Main Building floors. This chiller uses R-11 refrigerant, which is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and therefore violates the prerequisite requirements. The new 600-ton chiller will serve the Main and Ancillary Buildings in addition to the existing 300 ton chiller. Based on our load calculations, the peak cooling load in the Main Building is 435 tons and the Ancillary load is 450 tons. With these loads and Eugene weather data, the cooling load should not exceed 600 tons more for than 5% of the time. The 300 ton chiller will therefore be used less than 5% of the time. As the CFC chiller will be used less than 5% of the time, the project team is requesting a 7-year phase-out extension. In order to demonstrate compliance with the prerequisite the project will provide: 1) A summary of the new and existing buildings on campus and the cooling load of each building, 2) Sizes for each of the new and existing chillers, 3) A description of chiller staging to demonstrate use of CFC-free chillers as backup, and, 4) A letter of commitment from the owner, describing the phase-out plan and timeframe.
Ruling:
This inquiry is requesting to use a 7 year phase-out process for CFC refrigerants in order to qualify for EAp3 on a LEED NC v2.2 project where the CFC chiller will account for less than 5% of the building\'s cooling load. The process and supporting documentation outlined in this CIR represent an acceptable approach to meeting this requirement. Applicable Internationally.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
LEEDuser expert
Paul Swierc
CEM, CPMP, BECxP, CxA+BE, EIT, LEED GA
Senior Commissioning Agent
