Total of 5 categories:
This page focuses on Energy & Atmosphere and the corresponding credits.
The attempt within these category of credits is to improve energy efficiency within buildings and to help
prevent ozone depletion through the phase out of refrigeration systems that utilize CFCs and HCFCs.
Renewable on site energy and the use of green power are credits available to building owners.
LEED NC has 17 possible points in the Energy & Atmosphere category, whereas LEED CS has 14 points.
Energy & Atmosphere:
3 prerequisites, 6 credits = 17 possible points
EA Prerequisite 1 Fundamental Commissioning of the Building Energy Systems:
Requires the use of a third party commissioning agent to implement a commissioning plan for the building systems.
EA Prerequisite 2 MMinimum Energy Performance:
Requires compliance with ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999. California projects with Title-24 comply.
EA Prerequisite 3 Fundamental Refrigerant Management:
Ban on CFCs refrigernats in new HVAC systems. Phase out CFCs in existing systems.
EA Credit 1 Optimize Energy Performance:
Offers up to 10 possible points to improve building energy useage.
However all buildings are required to achieve a minimum of 2 points.
EA Credit 2 On-Site Renewable Energy:
Use on site renewable energy generation systems to supply between 2.5% to 12.5% of the buildings energy requirements.
Up to 3 points possible.
EA Credit 3 Enhanced Commissioning:
Inititate commissioning process early in the design and carry out additional commissioning activities beyond the prerequisite.
EA Credit 4 Enhanced Refrigerant Management:
No HCFCs or Halons to be used within the building.
EA Credit 5 Measurement & Verification:
Install metering equipment to track energy useage, track performance and evaluate energy efficiency.
EA Credit 6 Green Power:
Supply 35% of building power through renewable energy source with a minimum 2 year contract.
Go to page:
1 (LEED introduction)
2 (Sustainable Sites)
3 (Water Efficiency)
4 (Energy & Atmosphere)
5 (Materials & Resources)
Other FAQs in our sustainable series: