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LEED v4.1

Schools – New Construction
Energy and Atmosphere
Fundamental Refrigerant Management

LEED CREDIT

Schools-NC-v4.1 EAp4: Fundamental Refrigerant Management Required

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View the LEED v4 version of this credit »

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Credit language

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© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

Intent

To reduce ozone depletion and global warming potential and support early compliance with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol while minimizing direct contributions to climate change.

Requirements

Do not use chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) or hydro chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-based refrigerants in new heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems. When reusing existing HVAC&R equipment, complete a comprehensive CFC and/or HCFC phase-out conversion before project completion. Phase-out plans extending beyond the project completion date will be considered on their merits. Existing small HVAC&R units (defined as containing less than 0.5 pound [225 grams] of refrigerant) and other equipment, such as standard refrigerators, small water coolers, and any other equipment that contains less than 0.5 pound (225 grams) of refrigerant, are exempt.

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Addenda

4/9/2021 – Updated: 4/19/2021
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
EA prerequisite Fundamental Refrigerant Management
- revise the Intent to read as follows: "To reduce ozone depletion and global warming potential and support early compliance with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, while minimizing direct contributions to climate change."

EA credit Enhanced Refrigerant Management
- revise the Intent to read as follows: "To eliminate ozone depletion and global warming potential, and support early compliance with the Montreal Protocol, including the Kigali Amendment, while minimizing direct contributions to climate change."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
11/9/2020 – Updated: 2/3/2021
Form Update
Description of change:
Updated to align with v4.1 November 2020 Addenda
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
11/10/2020 – Updated: 11/25/2020
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
In the first sentence of the requirements, add "or hydro chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) -" after "Do not use chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)" and before "based refrigerants..."

In the sentence that begins "When reusing existing HVAC&R equipment", add "and/or HCFC" after "a comprehensive CFC" and before "phase-out conversion before project completion".
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
11/10/2020 – Updated: 11/25/2020
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
1. Delete the phrase "There are no substantive changes to prerequisite requirements;", capitalize the R in "Refer", and add the words "edits and" after the words "with the following".

2. Add new section "Behind the Intent:". Below the section header add the following text:
"Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) have shorter atmospheric lives than CFCs, but they still contribute to ozone depletion. Similar to CFCs, HCFCs have phase-out dates scheduled under the Montreal Protocol.

Both HCFCs and CFCs must be addressed to meet this prerequisite."

"Wherever CFCs are mentioned in the LEED v4 reference guide, the guidance also applies to HCFCs."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
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USGBC logo

© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

Intent

To reduce ozone depletion and global warming potential and support early compliance with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol while minimizing direct contributions to climate change.

Requirements

Do not use chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) or hydro chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-based refrigerants in new heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems. When reusing existing HVAC&R equipment, complete a comprehensive CFC and/or HCFC phase-out conversion before project completion. Phase-out plans extending beyond the project completion date will be considered on their merits. Existing small HVAC&R units (defined as containing less than 0.5 pound [225 grams] of refrigerant) and other equipment, such as standard refrigerators, small water coolers, and any other equipment that contains less than 0.5 pound (225 grams) of refrigerant, are exempt.

LEEDuser expert

headshot

Pamela Mendez

WSP

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