IEQc7.1 requires that HVAC designs meet the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 55-2004, which deals with thermal comfort of building occupants. Specifically, ASHRAE 55 requires project teams to evaluate the ability of building systems to stay within a comfortable range of air temperatures, radiant temperatures, humidity, and air speeds during design weather conditions.

In most cases, designing a system that complies with ASHRAE-55 is standard practice and documentation is the only LEED-specific requirement for achieving the credit, so it should cost very little to earn. Earning this credit also sets the stage for you to earn IEQc7.2: Thermal Comfort—Verification.