Minimum Energy Requirement

Hi Colin,

Thank you for your question.

The LEED v4 BD+C Guide provides two options for meeting EA: Minimum Energy Performance Credit.

Option 1- Whole Building Energy Simulation: Demonstrate an improvement of 5% for new construction, 3% for major renovations, or 2% for core and shell projects in the proposed building performance rating compared with the baseline building performance rating.

Calculate the baseline building performance according to ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1–2010, Appendix G, with errata (or a USGBC-approved equivalent standard for projects outside the U.S.), using a simulation model.

Option 2: Prescriptive Compliance: ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide:

Comply with the mandatory and prescriptive provisions of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1–2010, with errata.

Comply with the HVAC and service water heating requirements, including equipment efficiency, economizers, ventilation, and ducts and dampers, in Chapter 4, Design Strategies and Recommendations by Climate Zone, for the appropriate ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide and climate zone.

In regards to the project being in the Caribbean, according to the USGBC, currently no alternative standards have been approved to be used as a substitute for ASRHAE 90.1-2010. The only exceptions are those mentioned in the v4 rating system that includes the Canadian - NECB alternative compliance path and those identified in LEED Interpretations 10419 and 10420 (i.e., Title 24-2013 and 2012 Seattle Energy Code respectively).

Please let us know if you any additional questions.
Best,
Chamarra McCrorey
LEED Green Associate
Project Manager, Poplar Network