EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance is, by far, the most important credit in LEED, based on the number of points available. Up to 21 points are at stake here based on how much you’re able to reduce the project’s predicted energy cost. That large amount of points also reflects the great importance LEED places on reducing energy use and forestalling climate change.

USGBC's membership approved an update to LEED 2009 effective April 8, 2016. The update only affects LEED 2009 projects registered on or after that date.

Project teams will be required to earn a minimum of four points in EAc1, effectively making part of this credit a prerequisite along with EAp2. The referenced energy standard and modeling requirements are not changed. Buildings falling under the proposed change can use the same methodologies and referenced standards, but will need to earn additional points in order to achieve certification.

Buildings with a building automation system (BAS), or some level of existing outdoor airflow monitoring, have the best shot at this credit, which can help you to monitor and maintain adequate ventilation levels throughout the building. If your building does not have a BAS, compliance will be more challenging.

You’ve already developed a waste management policy for ongoing consumables under MRp2; this credit involves implementing that policy. Remember that the category “ongoing consumables” refers to all goods with a low per-unit cost that are regularly used and replaced. This can include, but is not limited to: paper, toner cartridges, glass, metals, plastics, cardboard, batteries, and food waste.

This credit is focused on limiting environmental impacts from automobile use. It targets commuting specifically, but also addresses company vehicle fleets, maintenance vehicles, and buses.

Projects that have substantial parking area may find the requirements of this credit to be low-hanging fruit, because they should easily be able to designate preferred parking for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles, which is one option. There are other options for compliance, all of varying difficulty and requiring varying levels of commitment from the project owner.

This credit is focused on limiting environmental impacts from automobile use. It targets commuting specifically, but also addresses company vehicle fleets, maintenance vehicles, and buses.

Projects that have substantial parking area may find the requirements of this credit to be low-hanging fruit, because they should easily be able to designate preferred parking for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles, which is one option. There are other options for compliance, all of varying difficulty and requiring varying levels of commitment from the project owner.