This prerequisite focuses on the elimination of CFC- and HCFC-based refrigerants that contribute to ozone depletion and global warming in HVAC&R equipment.

Nearly all industrialized nations have signed the Montreal Protocol, which called for a complete phase out of CFC-based refrigerants by 1995, and HCFCs by 2030 in developed countries. As a result, compliant, environmentally preferable refrigerants that comply with this prerequisite are the only option available for new systems. 

This prerequisite covers all space-conditioning and refrigeration systems included in the LEED scope of work, including chillers; unitary HVAC equipment (split and packaged); room and window air-conditioners; computer, data center, and telecom room-cooling units; and commercial refrigeration equipment. The prerequisite does not, however, apply to small units and other types of equipment, such as refrigerators and small water coolers that contain less than 0.5 pounds of refrigerant.

Remember that existing equipment must be addressed too. If existing equipment or a district chilled water system is being used, it must be CFC- and HCFC-free—or the owner of the system must replace or retrofit the equipment. The prerequisite strongly encourages projects to eliminate the banned refrigerants before the project’s completion. If that’s just not possible for your project, you'll need to adopt a post-occupancy phase out plan that clearly describes the barriers you’re encountering and includes a firm timeline. Additionally, you'll need to ensure that the annual leakage rate of CFC- and HCFC-based refrigerants is 5% or less.

What’s New in LEED v4.1

• HCFCs were added to the refrigerants that must be eliminated in a November 2020 addendum.

Should I Upgrade?

The addition of HCFCs could make the credit harder to achieve, but elimination of these refrigerants should be a given.