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LEED v4.1
New Construction
Energy and Atmosphere
Enhanced Refrigerant Management

LEED CREDIT

NC-v4.1 EAc6: Enhanced Refrigerant Management 1 point

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Credit language

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

Requirements

Option 1. No Refrigerants or Low-Impact Refrigerants (1 point)
Do not use refrigerants, or use only refrigerants (naturally occurring or synthetic) that have an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of zero and a global warming potential (GWP) of less than 50. OR
Option 2. Calculation of Refrigerant Impact (1 point)

Comply with ASHRAE Standard 15-2019: Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems, or USGBC-approved equivalent, as applicable to the project scope.

Develop and implement a refrigerant management plan that addresses leak detection, system retrofit, and end of life disposal for all HVAC&R systems containing more than 0.5 pound (225 grams) of refrigerant.

Select refrigerants that are used in heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) equipment to minimize or eliminate the emission of compounds that contribute to ozone depletion and climate change. The combination of all new and existing base building and tenant HVAC&R equipment that serve the project must comply with the following formula:

IP units  


LCGWP

+

LCODP

x

105

100

SI units


LCGWP

+

LCODP

x

105

13

Calculation definitions for
LCGWP + LCODP x 105 ≤ 100
(IP units)

Calculation definitions for
LCGWP + LCODP x 105 ≤ 13
(SI units)

LCODP = [ODPr x (Lr x Life +Mr) x Rc]/Life

LCODP = [ODPr x (Lr x Life +Mr) x Rc]/Life

LCGWP = [GWPr x (Lr x Life +Mr) x Rc]/Life

LCGWP = [GWPr x (Lr x Life +Mr) x Rc]/Life

LCODP: Lifecycle Ozone Depletion Potential
(lb CFC 11/Ton-Year)

LCODP: Lifecycle Ozone Depletion Potential
(kg CFC 11/(kW/year))

LCGWP: Lifecycle Direct Global Warming Potential
(lb CO2/Ton-Year)

LCGWP: Lifecycle Direct Global Warming Potential
(kg CO2/kW-year)

GWPr: Global Warming Potential of Refrigerant
(0 to 12,000 lb CO2/lbr)

GWPr: Global Warming Potential of Refrigerant
(0 to 12,000 kg CO2/kg r)

ODPr: Ozone Depletion Potential of Refrigerant
(0 to 0.2 lb CFC 11/lbr)

ODPr: Ozone Depletion Potential of Refrigerant
(0 to 0.2 kg CFC 11/kg r)

Lr: Refrigerant Leakage Rate
(2.0%)

Lr: Refrigerant Leakage Rate
(2.0%)

Mr: End-of-life Refrigerant Loss
(10%)

Mr: End-of-life Refrigerant Loss
(10%)

Rc: Refrigerant Charge
(0.5 to 5.0 lbs of refrigerant per ton of gross AHRI rated cooling capacity)

Rc: Refrigerant Charge
(0.065 to 0.65 kg of refrigerant per kW of AHRI rated or Eurovent Certified cooling capacity)

Life: Equipment Life
(10 years; default based on equipment type, unless otherwise demonstrated)

Life: Equipment Life
(10 years; default based on equipment type, unless otherwise demonstrated)

For multiple types of equipment, calculate a weighted average of all base building HVAC&R equipment, using the following formula:

IP units  

 

SI units

∑ ( LCGWP + LCODP x 105 ) x Qunit

≤ 100

∑ ( LCGWP + LCODP x 105 ) x Qunit

≤ 13



Qtotal


Qtotal

Calculation definitions for
[ ∑ (LCGWP + LCODP x 105) x Qunit ] / Qtotal ≤ 100

Calculation definitions for
[ ∑ (LCGWP + LCODP x 105) x Qunit ] / Qtotal ≤ 13

(IP units) (SI units)

Qunit = Gross AHRI rated cooling capacity of an individual HVAC or refrigeration unit (Tons)

Qunit = Eurovent Certified cooling capacity of an individual HVAC or refrigeration unit (kW)

Qtotal = Total gross AHRI rated cooling capacity of all HVAC or refrigeration

Qtotal = Total Eurovent Certified cooling capacity of all HVAC or refrigeration (kW)

RETAIL

Meet Option 1 or 2 for all HVAC systems.

Stores with commercial refrigeration systems must comply with the following.

  • Use only non-ozone-depleting refrigerants.
  • Select equipment with an average HFC refrigerant charge of no more than 1.75 pounds of refrigerant per 1,000 Btu/h ( 2.72 kg of refrigerant per kW) total evaporator cooling load.
  • Demonstrate a predicted store-wide annual refrigerant emissions rate of no more than 15%. Conduct leak testing using the procedures in GreenChill’s best practices guideline for leak tightness at installation.

Alternatively, stores with commercial refrigeration systems may provide proof of attainment of EPA GreenChill’s silver-level store certification for newly constructed stores.

See all forum discussions about this credit »

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Addenda

7/10/2020Updated: 6/10/2021
Form Update
Description of change:
Under Option 2 of the v4 BD+C/ID+C credit form and v4 O+M credit form for EA credit Enhanced Refrigerant Management:

In the Table for Mechanical cooling and refrigeration equipment, under the column "Refrigerant", add "Other (specify)" as the last option in the drop-down list.

Next to the table, add margin note: "Projects that select "Other" must provide documentation of the ODPr and the GWPr values for the refrigerant."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/9/2021Updated: 4/19/2021
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
EA prerequisite Fundamental Refrigerant Management
- revise the Intent to read as follows: "To reduce ozone depletion and global warming potential and support early compliance with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, while minimizing direct contributions to climate change."

EA credit Enhanced Refrigerant Management
- revise the Intent to read as follows: "To eliminate ozone depletion and global warming potential, and support early compliance with the Montreal Protocol, including the Kigali Amendment, while minimizing direct contributions to climate change."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
11/10/2020Updated: 3/3/2021
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
Intent

1. In credit intent, replace the word "reduce" with "eliminate" and add ", including the Kigali Amendment," after the words "the Montreal Protocol"

Requirements

2. Option 2: before the sentence that begins "Select refrigerants that are used..." add the following text:
"Comply with ASHRAE Standard 15-2019: Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems, or USGBC-approved equivalent, as applicable to the project scope.

Develop and implement a refrigerant management plan that addresses leak detection, system retrofit, and end of life disposal for all HVAC&R systems containing more than 0.5 pound (225 grams) of refrigerant."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
11/9/2020Updated: 2/3/2021
Form Update
Description of change:
Updated to align with v4.1 November 2020 Addenda
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
11/10/2020Updated: 11/25/2020
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
1. Delete the phrase "There are no substantive changes to the credit requirements;", capitalize the R in "refer to the LEED v4 reference guide", add "edits and" before the word "addition", and add an "s" to the end of the word "addition"

2. Insert new section titled "Behind the Intent". insert the following text:
"While the Montreal Protocol provided for the phase-out of CFC and HCFC refrigerants due to their ozone depletion potential, it led the industry shift toward the usage of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases. In the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, adopted in 2016, 197 countries committed to cut the production and consumption of HFCs by more than 80 percent over the next 30 years.

Alternatives to HFCs have been developed to provide lower-GWP refrigerant options, although the availability of low-GWP refrigerants varies between applications. The transition to lower-GWP refrigerant options requires an increased focus on safety, as many “next generation” refrigerants can pose flammability and/or toxicity risks if not properly managed. ASHRAE Standard 15-2019: Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems provides essential guidance to manufacturers, design engineers and operators who need to stay current with new air conditioning and refrigerating requirements. The selection of refrigerants and their operating systems should be based on a holistic analysis of multiple criteria, including safety, environmental impacts, energy efficiency and cost.

In addition to protecting human health, effective refrigerant management during processes of design, manufacturing, operation, systems servicing, and end of life helps to reduce global emissions. The majority of refrigerant emissions happen at end of life, so the effective disposal of refrigerants currently in circulation (including CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs) is essential. A robust refrigerant management plan provides a framework for building owners and operators to properly manage these chemicals and minimize direct contributions to climate change."

3. Insert new section titled "Step-by-Step". Insert the following text:
"Step 1. Document compliance with ASHRAE Standard 15-2019
Review ASHRAE Standard 15-2019: Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems. The standard establishes procedures for the safe design, construction, installation and operation of refrigerant systems. Note that Standard 15 must be used with ASHRAE Standard 34-2019 Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants, which describes a shorthand way of naming refrigerants and assigns safety classifications based on toxicity and flammability data.

Ensure that all refrigeration equipment installed in the project comply with ASHRAE Standard 15-2019 requirements for restrictions on refrigerant use (section 7), installation restrictions (section 8), design and construction of equipment and systems (section 9), operation and testing (section 10) and general requirements (section 11), as applicable to the project scope.

Step 2. Develop and implement refrigerant management plan
Develop and implement a refrigerant management plan. The plan must include a complete inventory of all refrigerants used in the project and address refrigerant leak detection, system retrofit, and proper end of life disposal for all HVAC&R systems containing more than 0.5 pound (225 gram) of refrigerant.

The plan must identify the individuals responsible for the care and maintenance of refrigerant systems, regular leak detection and monitoring, record-keeping and training of personnel necessary to execute the plan.

All contractors or service technicians performing work on any HVAC&R systems shall have access to the refrigerant management plan and, upon completion of the work, provide documentation that confirms continued compliance with the plan.

Step 3. Calculate refrigerant impact of proposed systems
Refer to the LEED v4 reference guide.

Step 4. Incorporate design criteria into project plans and specifications
Refer to the LEED v4 reference guide."

4. Under Further Explanation, insert a new section "Referenced Standards" and insert the following text:
" ASHRAE Standard 15-2019: Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems"

5. Under new section "Referenced Standards", insert new section "Required Documentation" and insert the following text:
"Refer to the LEED v4 Reference Guide content, plus the following additions for Option 2:
• Confirmation that project HVAC&R systems comply with ASHRAE Standard 15
• Refrigerant management plan"

Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
See all forum discussions about this credit »

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

Requirements

Option 1. No Refrigerants or Low-Impact Refrigerants (1 point)
Do not use refrigerants, or use only refrigerants (naturally occurring or synthetic) that have an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of zero and a global warming potential (GWP) of less than 50. OR
Option 2. Calculation of Refrigerant Impact (1 point)

Comply with ASHRAE Standard 15-2019: Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems, or USGBC-approved equivalent, as applicable to the project scope.

Develop and implement a refrigerant management plan that addresses leak detection, system retrofit, and end of life disposal for all HVAC&R systems containing more than 0.5 pound (225 grams) of refrigerant.

Select refrigerants that are used in heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) equipment to minimize or eliminate the emission of compounds that contribute to ozone depletion and climate change. The combination of all new and existing base building and tenant HVAC&R equipment that serve the project must comply with the following formula:

IP units  


LCGWP

+

LCODP

x

105

100

SI units


LCGWP

+

LCODP

x

105

13

Calculation definitions for
LCGWP + LCODP x 105 ≤ 100
(IP units)

Calculation definitions for
LCGWP + LCODP x 105 ≤ 13
(SI units)

LCODP = [ODPr x (Lr x Life +Mr) x Rc]/Life

LCODP = [ODPr x (Lr x Life +Mr) x Rc]/Life

LCGWP = [GWPr x (Lr x Life +Mr) x Rc]/Life

LCGWP = [GWPr x (Lr x Life +Mr) x Rc]/Life

LCODP: Lifecycle Ozone Depletion Potential
(lb CFC 11/Ton-Year)

LCODP: Lifecycle Ozone Depletion Potential
(kg CFC 11/(kW/year))

LCGWP: Lifecycle Direct Global Warming Potential
(lb CO2/Ton-Year)

LCGWP: Lifecycle Direct Global Warming Potential
(kg CO2/kW-year)

GWPr: Global Warming Potential of Refrigerant
(0 to 12,000 lb CO2/lbr)

GWPr: Global Warming Potential of Refrigerant
(0 to 12,000 kg CO2/kg r)

ODPr: Ozone Depletion Potential of Refrigerant
(0 to 0.2 lb CFC 11/lbr)

ODPr: Ozone Depletion Potential of Refrigerant
(0 to 0.2 kg CFC 11/kg r)

Lr: Refrigerant Leakage Rate
(2.0%)

Lr: Refrigerant Leakage Rate
(2.0%)

Mr: End-of-life Refrigerant Loss
(10%)

Mr: End-of-life Refrigerant Loss
(10%)

Rc: Refrigerant Charge
(0.5 to 5.0 lbs of refrigerant per ton of gross AHRI rated cooling capacity)

Rc: Refrigerant Charge
(0.065 to 0.65 kg of refrigerant per kW of AHRI rated or Eurovent Certified cooling capacity)

Life: Equipment Life
(10 years; default based on equipment type, unless otherwise demonstrated)

Life: Equipment Life
(10 years; default based on equipment type, unless otherwise demonstrated)

For multiple types of equipment, calculate a weighted average of all base building HVAC&R equipment, using the following formula:

IP units  

 

SI units

∑ ( LCGWP + LCODP x 105 ) x Qunit

≤ 100

∑ ( LCGWP + LCODP x 105 ) x Qunit

≤ 13



Qtotal


Qtotal

Calculation definitions for
[ ∑ (LCGWP + LCODP x 105) x Qunit ] / Qtotal ≤ 100

Calculation definitions for
[ ∑ (LCGWP + LCODP x 105) x Qunit ] / Qtotal ≤ 13

(IP units) (SI units)

Qunit = Gross AHRI rated cooling capacity of an individual HVAC or refrigeration unit (Tons)

Qunit = Eurovent Certified cooling capacity of an individual HVAC or refrigeration unit (kW)

Qtotal = Total gross AHRI rated cooling capacity of all HVAC or refrigeration

Qtotal = Total Eurovent Certified cooling capacity of all HVAC or refrigeration (kW)

RETAIL

Meet Option 1 or 2 for all HVAC systems.

Stores with commercial refrigeration systems must comply with the following.

  • Use only non-ozone-depleting refrigerants.
  • Select equipment with an average HFC refrigerant charge of no more than 1.75 pounds of refrigerant per 1,000 Btu/h ( 2.72 kg of refrigerant per kW) total evaporator cooling load.
  • Demonstrate a predicted store-wide annual refrigerant emissions rate of no more than 15%. Conduct leak testing using the procedures in GreenChill’s best practices guideline for leak tightness at installation.

Alternatively, stores with commercial refrigeration systems may provide proof of attainment of EPA GreenChill’s silver-level store certification for newly constructed stores.

LEEDuser expert

Pamela Mendez

WSP

See all LEEDuser forum discussions about this credit » Unsubscribe from discussions about NC-v4.1 EAc6