This credit goes beyond the commissioning work required for the prerequisite. Any project can pursue this credit, but teams sometimes choose not to pursue it due to the increased cost and uncertainty around its benefits.
However, with the increase in scope of fundamental commissioning in LEED v4, the cost difference between the two has narrowed. This change may make enhanced commissioning more attractive for your project.
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 focuses on the elimination of CFC-based refrigerants that contribute to ozone depletion in HVAC&R equipment. It’s an easy prerequisite to meet, since installing equipment without CFC-based refrigerants is now standard practice in new construction.
It’s standard practice for most new buildings to install whole-building energy metering, which satisfies this prerequisite. In addition, those projects simply need to commit to sharing energy use data and electrical demand data (if metered) with USGBC for five years.
It’s standard practice for most new buildings to install whole-building energy metering, which satisfies this prerequisite. In addition, those projects simply need to commit to sharing energy use data and electrical demand data (if metered) with USGBC for five years.
To meet this prerequisite, teams must design and install plumbing systems using highefficiency indoor plumbing fixtures including lavatory faucets, toilets, urinals, kitchen sinks, and showerheads, and determine how much potable water is consumed relative to a LEED baseline case.
In order to meet the prerequisite, a minimum of 20% savings must be demonstrated.
To meet this prerequisite, teams must design and install plumbing systems using high efficiency indoor plumbing fixtures including lavatory faucets, toilets, urinals, kitchen sinks, and showerheads, and determine how much potable water is consumed relative to a LEED baseline case.
In order to meet the prerequisite, a minimum of 20% savings must be demonstrated.
This credit presents teams with a broad array of different strategies for maintaining healthy indoor air quality. Teams can pursue three strategies for one point or six strategies for two points.
The IAQ strategies outlined under LEED v4.1 can be achieved with varying degrees of difficulty (and cost), depending on your project design and other sustainability and performance goals. Be sure to review and understand the requirements of each strategy within the context of your building before committing.
This credit presents teams with several different strategies for protecting indoor air quality. Teams can pursue Option 1 or Option 2 independently (for one point each), or pursue both options for a total of two points.
The IAQ strategies outlined in the LEED Reference Guide can be achieved with varying degrees of difficulty (and cost), depending on your project design and other sustainability and performance goals. Be sure to review and understand the requirements of each strategy within the context of your building before committing to a given option.
Teams can earn up to five points under this credit. There are three standard paths to earning an IN point:
Achieve significant, measurable environmental benefits using a strategy that isn’t currently addressed in the LEEDv4 BD+C rating system.