Performance under this credit is based on ASHRAE 90.1-2016, which represents a big jump in stringency from the earlier version. Additional creativity and effort are required to achieve higher levels of energy efficiency under this credit.

Teams will need to take a concerted approach from the early design phase forward to optimize the building massing and envelope, reduce heating and cooling loads, and maximize daylighting opportunities, in order to make the selection and integration of high-efficiency lighting and HVAC systems practical and effective. However, the effort is worth it as this credit can provide long-term operational cost savings, as well as a significant number of points toward your LEED certification goals.

What’s New in LEED v4.1

• The ASHRAE version was updated from 2010 to 2016. This means that LEED is now ahead of most local energy codes.
• Points are now awarded in part based on annual energy cost reductions (which has been the case since LEED began, and is also the case for most performance-based codes), but also in part based on annual greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions.
• Onsite renewable energy may be subtracted from the total annual energy use in the annual energy cost calculation.
• The GHG impacts of new offsite renewable energy may be subtracted.

Should I upgrade?

As with the prerequisite, upgrading may be a heavy lift, but project teams that upgrade to v4.1 will demonstrate true leadership in energy and greenhouse gas emission performance.