Pre-Design

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. 

This prerequisite applies to 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.

If your project is purchasing new HVAC&R equipment, you'll automatically meet this prerequisite. The Montreal Protocol treaty mandated a complete phase out of CFC-based refrigerants by 1995, and HCFCs by 2030 in developed countries. As a result, compliant, environmentally preferable refrigerants are the only option available for new systems. 

If HCFCs are being used, find out which type, understand the implications of using that refrigerant over the long term and if using more environmentally benign alternatives is possible.

If your project is using an existing HVAC system, investigate the type of refrigerant being used. If CFCs are being used, discuss equipment or conversion options with the building manager and owner. 

Providing lighting controllability to 90% of individual-occupant spaces can add some upfront cost to your project if this is not standard practice. However, better lighting controllability can reduce lighting and cooling loads and increase productivity. Additionally, since ambient lighting generally is more energy-intensive and generates more heat than task lighting, emphasis on task-specific lighting can reduce energy costs by reducing the level of ambient lighting needed. 

The inclusion of occupancy and daylight sensors can provide a more efficient lighting system, but it does not provide occupants with more controllability. Rather than limiting your project to merely meeting the credit requirements, a combination of lighting controls and lighting controllability is ideal.  

Providing controllability for occupants does not have to involve a complex lighting system―you can simply provide plug-in task lighting in individual spaces.

Establish lighting control goals and include them in the Basis of Design for EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning.

Establish occupant-use types for each space (individual or multi-occupant), and identify the lighting needs for each space. Review space programming and the requirements to provide lighting controls for both individual and multi-occupant spaces.