Discuss as a team the value of these additional RP bonus points, to be sure that everyone is on board with pursuing them. Make sure the additional benefit is understood so that the proper emphasis is put on those credits.
Cross-check the available RP credits against your preliminary project scorecard. Note which RP credits you are already pursuing, as well as ones you may not have been pursuing but may want to consider based on the bonus points available.
Even one piece of equipment can tip your calculations to compliance or noncompliance. Use the calculator in the LEED Online credit form to run calculations from the beginning of HVAC system selection (note that your project has to be registered through LEED Online to download those forms). This gives a sense of how far from compliance a system may be; teams then get a better idea of how significant a change may be required. Note that annual leakage and end-of-life refrigerant loss rates are set to defaults but can be edited if needed.
Core and Shell projects include all equipment within the project scope and LEED boundary. For example, this may include AC systems in common areas and heat pumps in tenant spaces.
If your project building is connected to a district chilled-water system, you have to include all the chillers in that system in the calculations, even if they are outside your project’s scope or control.
Identify suitable systems in collaboration with the project owner and facilities management. Common alternatives for fire suppression systems usually are based on carbon dioxide, water, or dry chemicals (ABC or BC type powders).
EPA’s SNAP program (see Resources) lists a range of alternatives to ODP substances. Review these alternatives and confirm the applicability to your system type. Consider using these to help meet the credit requirements.
All permanently installed HVAC&R equipment with more than 0.5 lbs of refrigerant—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—is addressed by this credit.
