Hi,

we are currently working in a LEED certification of a new office building, and considering the upgrade to LEED v4.1.

In what relates with energy performance we are dealing with a huge drawback: from 11 points in LEED v4 to 2 points only with LEED v4.1 (exactly the same building, with the same occupancy patterns and the same energy systems)…

This result impacts strongly the Owner ambitions in what relates with the certification level. Although it is obvious that improvement is always possible, we feel we are already doing (almost) everything we can to optimize energy usage: reduced lighting power densities + dimming control, high efficiency chillers and boilers, optimized AHUs and pumps control (using VSD), adequate shading devices and glazing with low SHGC, PVs covering 50% of building roofs…

Such a difference between the two LEED versions is difficult to understand, not usual in previous transitions and very hard to explain to building owners and developers.

Is anyone also dealing with this scenario? How are you facing it? Any particular strategies?

Regards,