The intent of this credit is to reduce energy consumption by choosing high-efficiency buildings, fixtures, and equipment for your tenant fit out. Teams that are familiar with LEED 2009 should be aware that the referenced energy code has been updated to ASHRAE 90.1-2010 from 90.1-2007.
The prescriptive compliance path is likelier the easier option for smaller, straightforward projects that have budget restrictions and are just focused on lighting and equipment upgrades. Ensure that any base building infrastructure that serves the project space – including envelope, HVAC, power, and lighting – meets the prescriptive requirements of ASHRAE 90.1–2010. Reviewing compliance early in the design is highly recommended so that teams can work with the landlord if upgrades are needed.
The energy modeling option offers more flexibility than the prescriptive path. Plus, projects are eligible to earn more points under the related energy credit if this option is pursued. Projects interested in continuously improving their energy performance and reviewing the effects of design decisions might consider energy modeling a good return on investment. Energy modeling is an effective strategy for projects that are considering a number of different and/or innovative energy conservation measures.
What’s New in LEED v4
- There are now two prerequisite options: Option 1, Tenant-Level Energy Simulation, and Option 2, Prescriptive Compliance.
- Base building HVAC systems and service water heating systems now contribute to this prerequisite.
- USGBC requires Appendix G requirements to be followed for all project components and systems, including the building envelope, for the baseline case. Existing conditions, however, are excluded when calculating the baseline case.
- Tenant-level and whole-building energy modeling now correspond more closely.
- Under the revised LEED methodology for simulation modeling of projects with shared HVAC systems, a percentage of the shared HVAC systems is now allocated to the LEED project.
- For Option 2, Prescriptive Compliance, the LEED 2009 requirements for the prerequisite were adapted and are now Option 2 in LEED v4.
- Version 2010 of ASHRAE Standard 90.1 is the referenced standard. This has been updated from version 2007.