LEED v4 ENERGY UPDATE FAQ

Timing matters. Meeting the urgency of climate imperatives cannot only be accomplished by addressing buildings of
the future. The buildings we build and operate today will have impacts that last for generations. This means that while
looking ahead to LEED v5, the current versions of LEED must also move forward to address the urgency of the
climate crisis. An update to LEED v4 was proposed on November 22, 2022 to reflect a focus on increased energy
efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. This update raises the threshold for energy performance and
provides a mechanism for specifically evaluating and incentivizing greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

The FAQs below are a summary of the conversations we have had with stakeholders throughout this process.

Note: These FAQs reflect the status of LEED technical development work at the time of publication. Refer to the
LEED credit library for current credit requirements

Summary........................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Q1: Why is USGBC updating the LEED v4 energy requirements? ............................................................................. 3
Q2: What are the primary changes affecting the prerequisite and credit in this update? ............................................ 3
Q3: What are the changes specific to EAc Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance? .......................................... 3
Q4: What are the changes specific to EAc Optimize Energy Performance (or EAc Annual Energy Use)? ................ 3
Q5: For the second public comment period, can you summarize the changes? ........................................................ 3
Q6: Why is ASHRAE 90.1-2010 still the referenced standard within this update? ..................................................... 4

Options .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Q7: What options/pathways are still available to me after this v4 energy ballot for Minimum Energy Performance
and Optimize Energy Performance? ........................................................................................................................... 4
Q8: Am I still able to do credit substitution even though the LEED v4.1 Rating System will remain un-balloted? ...... 6
Q9: Can v4 projects use a prescriptive compliance path? .......................................................................................... 6
Q10: Will projects with limited scope be able to demonstrate compliance with the proposed requirements? ............ 6
Q11: My project has high unregulated and/or process loads leading to difficulty demonstrating compliance with the
modified thresholds. Are there alternatives that may be more appropriate? ............................................................... 7
Q12: How can we avoid duplication of effort to document LEED Energy performance and local energy code
compliance? ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Q13: My project outside the U.S. will have a challenging time reaching the increased thresholds proposed in the
update that far exceed the stringency required for regulatory code compliance Are their alternatives that may be
more appropriate in my region? .................................................................................................................................. 7

Policy ............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Q14: How will the original LEED v4 rating be differentiated from the v4 update for projects referencing these
requirements? ............................................................................................................................................................. 8
Q15: What happens to my projects currently pursuing LEED v4 Minimum Energy Performance and Optimize
Energy Performance? Will they be required to use these new requirvements? ......................................................... 8
Q16: What approach can be used to ensure certification targets are met with the higher energy performance
requirements? ............................................................................................................................................................. 8
Stringency ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Q17: How were the revised thresholds derived? ........................................................................................................ 9
Q18: What are the new performance percentage thresholds in this new energy update? ......................................... 9

Metrics ......................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Q19: Are there ways to further incentivize electrification beyond what is in the proposed LEED v4 credit language?
.................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Q20: How will the source energy metric be defined? ................................................................................................ 13
Q21: How can renewable energy be modeled for credit in the 90.1-2010 Appendix G model? ............................... 14
Q22: Can I model the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 Baseline heating as “Electric” when the project has a natural gas
DOAS? ...................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Q23: Why do you not require time of use (TOU) carbon accounting? ...................................................................... 14

Multifamily ................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Q24: Can you summarize the additional changes for multifamily projects using LEED v4 BD+C: Multifamily Midrise
or BD+C: Homes? ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
Q25: Can you summarize the additional changes for multifamily projects using LEED v4 BD+C: Multifamily Midrise
or BD+C: Homes? ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
Q26: How will LEED v4 BD+C: Multifamily projects be able to leverage LEED v4.1 credit substitution, given the
difference in points for LEED v4 and LEED v4.1? .................................................................................................... 15
Q27: Can Multifamily projects document credit for new off-site renewable energy? ................................................ 15

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Summary
Q1: Why is USGBC updating the LEED v4 energy requirements?

To reflect the urgency of the climate crisis, LEED requirements must assure outcomes that swiftly decarbonize
building operations. Those of you who have been with us over the years know that it takes time to build a LEED rating
system and to bring it to market. While we are working hard on LEED v5, we also wanted to make sure LEED v4 was
updated to reflect a focus on increased energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The LEED v4
update is proposed as an incremental step in transitioning to the Future of LEED to ensure LEED continues to fulfill
its roles as a driver of market transformation, an enabler of actions on all projects, and a symbol of leadership for
others to follow.

It is critically important that the current version in use by projects reflect the future of LEED goals. And that we can
move the market forward while equipping you with the tools needed to make these changes. These updates better
reflect current expectations of market leadership on climate -- as defined in local codes, industry commitments and
global targets. The proposed energy update raises the threshold for energy performance and emissions reductions
and provides a mechanism for specifically evaluating and incentivizing greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

Q2: What are the primary changes affecting the prerequisite and credit in this update?

Highlights of changes affecting both EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance and EAc Optimize Energy
Performance (or EAc Annual Energy Use) include:

• Increases performance improvement thresholds in alignment with LEED v4.1 stringency

• Adds greenhouse gas emissions metric
• Allows source energy metric as an alternative to the cost metric to demonstrate energy efficiency savings
• Replaces prescriptive compliance options with credit substitution of more streamlined LEED v4.1
prescriptive paths

ASHRAE 90.1 2010 Appendix G remains as the referenced standard, but additional pathways are available for
projects applying later versions of ASHRAE 90.1 (See Question 7).

Q3: What are the changes specific to EAc Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance?

• Minimum performance improvement may be documented using a cost metric, a source energy metric, or a
GHG emissions metric
• Contribution of on-site renewable energy is credited towards prerequisite compliance

Q4: What are the changes specific to EAc Optimize Energy Performance (or EAc Annual Energy Use)?

Implemented dual metric structure, linking achievement of maximum points to projects that demonstrate both a high
level of energy performance and substantial greenhouse gas emissions savings:

• Greenhouse gas emissions performance improvement achieves up to one half of the available points
• Energy efficiency performance improvement documented using either source energy metric or cost metric
achieves up to one half of the available points
• Points are summed for the two metrics

Q5: For the second public comment period, can you summarize the changes?

• LEED V4 BD+C (New Construction, Warehouse and Distribution Centers, Hospitality, Retail, Schools)
EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance:

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 o Improvement beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2010 increased to 10% (a smaller increase than the 15%
threshold proposed in first public comment)

• LEED V4 BD+C Multifamily Midrise

Revised EA Credit Annual Energy Use:
o Home Size Adjustment revised to one point per seven percent decrease in home size
o ASHRAE 90.1-2010 Appendix G Stringency: Thresholds for GHG emissions revised to award more
points to projects that achieve 20% to 40% savings for both metrics

• LEED V4 BD+C Homes

EA Credit Annual Energy Use:
o Revised Home Size Adjustment to one point per seven percent decrease in home size (aligned
with Multifamily Midrise)

• No further changes are proposed in the second public comment for:

o EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance for LEED v4 ID+C, LEED v4 Homes, LEED v4
Multifamily Midrise, LEED v4 BD+C: Core and Shell, Data Centers, or Healthcare
o EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance for all adaptations of LEED v4 ID+C and LEED v4 BD+C

Q6: Why is ASHRAE 90.1-2010 still the referenced standard within this update?

Retaining 90.1-2010 Appendix G as the referenced compliance path will mitigate disruption to current users similar to
previous balloted energy updates. By referencing 90.1-2010, project teams may continue to leverage currently
published LEED v4 Interpretations and/or LEED v4.1 credit substitution options to document whole building energy
simulation using the most appropriate reference for their project including all later referenced versions of ASHRAE
90.1 Appendix G (2013, 2016, 2019, 2022) (See Question 7).

Options
Q7: What options/pathways are still available to me after this LEED v4 energy ballot for Minimum Energy
Performance and Optimize Energy Performance?

Projects subject to the update have significant flexibility in the option they use to demonstrate energy performance.
See below for a full list of options. The USGBC website will include guidance documents further enumerating these
paths and common project applications for each path.

Energy Simulation Options:

Maximum points: ID+C: 25 points; BD+C: 18 points, except Schools (16), Healthcare (20), Multifamily Midrise (30):

• LEED v4 Option 1. Whole-building energy simulation

o ASHRAE 90.1-2010 Appendix G (LEED v4 update)
o ASHRAE 90.1-2013 Appendix G (LEED Interpretation 104811)

• LEED v4.1 Option 1. Energy Performance Compliance2

o ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Appendix G (LEED v4.1 rating system)
o ASHRAE 90.1-2019 or 90.1-2022 Appendix G (LEED Interpretation 105003)

1
Planned consideration of reference metrics consistent with the v4 update (cost or source energy, and GHG
Emissions)
2
v4 BD+C: Multifamily Midrise path planned to reference ASHRAE 90.1-2016 methodology with 30 points available
(see Q26).
3
Planned update to reference 90.1-2022 Appendix G as well as 90.1-2019 Appendix G
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 Electrification: Projects applying either LEED v4 or v4.1 options referenced above can demonstrate additional
performance improvement for electrification by applying EApc161: Electrification ACP: Energy Simulation Path4
(See Question 19)

• LEED v4.1 Energy Cost Budget Method

(EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance only, or along with Parts A and B of EApc160 for EAc Optimize
Energy Performance)
o ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Section 11 ECB (LEED v4.1 rating system)

• International ACPs
o Canada
o LEED v4 NECB 2011 with additional provisions equivalent to ASHRAE 90.1-2010 Appendix
G.1
o LEED v4.1 Canada Zero Energy Performance Index (zEPI) ACP – Pilot ACP 143
§ Can be used by projects in Canada in conjunction with NECB 2011, NECB 2015,
NECB 2017, ASHRAE 90.1-2010, ASHRAE 90.1-2013, ASHRAE 90.1-2016.
o India - Residential: Multifamily Option 4. Energy Performance Compliance – India Alternative
Compliance Path4.

Prescriptive or Streamlined Documentation Options:

• Prescriptive Compliance
o Pilot ACP EApc160: Electrification – Prescriptive Path.
A simple, intuitive path, for new buildings to document achievement of decarbonization goals
without requiring detailed energy modeling:
§ Part A: Reduce emissions from on-site combustion (4 to 7 points available dependent on
climate zone)
§ Part B: Reduce heating and cooling peaks (6 points available)
§ Part C: Reduce Energy Use (5 to 8 points available dependent on climate zone)

For the prerequisite, in lieu of ASHRAE 90.1-2016 compliance documentation, the ACP allows
documentation of compliance with regulatory state or local energy code requirements classified in the
commercial portal code efficiency category of "90.1- 2016” or more stringent from the U.S. Department
of Energy “Status of State Energy Code Adoption” (https://www.energycodes.gov/state-portal).

o LEED v4.1 Prescriptive Path

• ASHRAE 90.1-2016, 2019, or 2022 prescriptive and mandatory measure compliance
(Prerequisite)
• Prescriptive efficiency measures (ID+C: up to 17 points; BD+C: up to 6 points)
o ID+C Option 2: Prescriptive compliance (Maximum points: 17 of 25)
• Prescriptive criteria for Base building envelope (2 points), Base building HVAC
and SWH (3 points), Tenant lighting (7 points), Tenant equipment and
appliances (5 points)
o BD+C Option 2: Advanced Energy Design Guides (up to 6 points)
o BD+C Option 3. Systems Optimization (not to exceed 6 points)
• Prescriptive efficiency measures for lighting (4 points), envelope (1 point),
HVAC and SWH efficiency (2 points), and equipment and appliances (1 point)
o BD+C: Data Center Option 4: System Optimization (Maximum points: 3). ASHRAE
90.4 streamlined analysis focused on HVAC performance and Electrical Distribution
losses.

4
LEED v4 Update thresholds planned to match those approved in ballot.
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 • Additional Paths specific to v4 BD+C: Multifamily Midrise
Additional updates to be considered for the following paths referenced by LEED v4 or LEED v4.1 to align
with the LEED v4 update, including potential updates to allow the Home Size Adjuster for projects applying
the LEED v4 update in conjunction with some or all of these paths.
o Energy Star Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) (LEED Interpretation 10491 with updates)
• ERI Path
• Prescriptive Path
• ASHRAE Path
o Passive House (LEED Interpretation 10486)
o New Building Institute’s Multifamily Guide (Referenced by LEED v4.1 Residential Multifamily)

• Paths specific to LEED v4: Homes

o LEED v4 Credit requirements:

§ Option 1. LEED Energy Budget.
§ Option 2. HERS Index with Home Size Adjuster
§ North America ACP: Passive House US (PHIUS) (HSA not included)

Additional updates to be considered for the following paths referenced by LEED v4 Interpretations to
align with the LEED v4 update, including potential updates to allow the Home Size Adjuster for projects
applying the LEED v4 update in conjunction with some of these paths.

o DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes certification (ZERH) – (LEED Interpretation 10431)
o Energy Star Multifamily New Construction (LEED Interpretation 10492)
§ ERI Path
§ Prescriptive Path
§ ASHRAE Path

Q8: Am I still able to do credit substitution even though the LEED v4.1 Rating System will remain un-
balloted?

Yes! The LEED v4 update was designed to accommodate full credit substitution of any prerequisites and credits
identified in the WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW, Credit Substitution section of each LEED v4.1 Guide (BD+C, ID+C,
Residential: Multifamily).

Q9: Can LEED v4 projects use a prescriptive compliance path?

Yes. Prescriptive compliance options are available to all projects applying the LEED v4 update. (See Question 7 for a
list of available paths).

A high percentage of Optimize Energy Performance points are available for the following prescriptive paths:
• BD+C (most adaptations) and BD+C: Multifamily Midrise: Pilot Credit EApc160 Electrification ACP:
Prescriptive Path introduces a simple, intuitive path, for most adaptations to document achievement of
decarbonization goals without requiring detailed energy modeling for most adaptations and Multifamily
Midrise.
• ID+C: LEED v4.1 credit substitution.

Q10: Will projects with limited scope be able to demonstrate compliance with the proposed requirements?
(i.e., Core and Shell cold dark shell projects or Interior Design and Construction projects with limited MEP scope)

Yes, projects with limited scope can apply LEED v4.1 credit substitution to document achievement of EA Prerequisite
Minimum Energy Performance and some points under EAc Optimize Energy Performance for the elements that are
within the project scope of work.

For ID+C projects applying LEED v4.1, Option 2. Prescriptive Compliance, up to twelve EAc Optimize Energy
Performance points are available for tenant improvements, with additional points available for efficient base building
systems.
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Core and shell projects that have a structure in places for implementing Green Leases can also achieve additional
points (beyond those achieved using any published pathway for EAc Optimize Energy Performance) by applying
Pilot Credit EApc159 Green Leases ACP.

Q11: My project has high unregulated and/or process loads leading to difficulty demonstrating compliance
with the modified thresholds. Are there alternatives that may be more appropriate?

Yes. Projects with a high percentage of unregulated or process loads are encouraged to consider LEED v4.1 credit
substitution. Prerequisite compliance under LEED v4.1 is determined based on meeting ASHRAE 90.1-2016
requirements for regulated load. (See Question 7 for a full list of alternatives).Note that under both the LEED v4
update and LEED v4.1, projects with unregulated energy exceeding 50% of the total proposed building energy for the
referenced metric (cost, source energy, or GHG emissions), or projects with more than 40% restaurant area may use
the less stringent Core and Shell point threshold in lieu of the New Construction point threshold.

Q12: How can we avoid duplication of effort to document LEED Energy performance and local energy code
compliance?

Projects in jurisdictions with energy codes matching or exceeding the stringency of ASHRAE 90.1-2016 can often
leverage LEED documentation to demonstrate local code compliance or vice versa.

• LEED v4.1 credit substitution:

o Option 1. Whole-building energy simulation: For projects in jurisdictions referencing ASHRAE 90.1-
2016, 2018 IECC, or later versions of these standards, projects may use the same ASHRAE 90.1
Appendix G modeling to document LEED energy performance and local code compliance, resulting
in a streamlined documentation approach and limiting duplication of modeling effort.
o LEED v4.1 credit substitution may also be leveraged to demonstrate local code compliance using
prescriptive compliance paths or other regional ACPs (See Question 7).

• Pilot EApc160: Electrification ACP: Prescriptive Path

o Much of the same documentation can be leveraged to demonstrate local code compliance and
LEED performance when applying this ACP in jurisdictions with stringent local code requirements

For projects in jurisdictions with codes that are less stringent than ASHRAE 90.1-2016, duplication of effort can be
avoided by either selecting the local code compliance path that is most simple to document, or by selecting the local
code and LEED compliance paths that are most similar (e.g. Energy Cost Budget path for local code with some
additional updates to document Appendix G Performance Rating Method). (See Question 7).

Q13: My project outside the U.S. will have a challenging time reaching the increased thresholds proposed in
the update that far exceed the stringency required for regulatory code compliance. Are there alternatives that
may be more appropriate in my region?

Yes. For many project applications, LEED v4.1 credit substitution or other Alternative Compliance Paths may be
more practical than the LEED v4 published path. (See Question 7 for a list of alternatives). For example, the
ASHRAE 90.1-2016 prescriptive path available in LEED v4.1 and Pilot EApc160: Electrification ACP: Prescriptive
Path
is often more appropriate for the following BD+C applications:

o Buildings with mass wall assemblies

o Core and Shell with minimal scope
o Projects that reduce emissions from on-site combustion

For the Global South region and similar regions where implementation of certain ASHRAE 90.1-2016 mandatory
measures is impractical due to limited availability and/or substantially burdensome incremental capital costs for
compliant options, regional ACP proposals to resolve these concerns may be submitted.

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Policy
Q14: How will the original LEED v4 rating be differentiated from the LEED v4 update for projects referencing
these requirements?

Due to the urgency of the climate crisis, many jurisdictions and agencies referencing LEED have pressed for
immediate updates to LEED energy efficiency and decarbonization criteria. Regulations, grants, and incentives with
options referenced to LEED v4 could be retired or become obsolete if viewed as not reflecting jurisdictional climate
goals. The LEED v4 update will better support these programs.

USGBC will publish information in conjunction with the balloted update that clearly identifies the implications on LEED
v4 stringency and certification levels. Jurisdictions and agencies with regulations, grants, or incentives can leverage
this guidance to update regulatory references, or to verify projects subject to the update are in compliance with the
stringency of the jurisdiction or agency’s original requirements.

The LEED review report will clearly show that the project was certified under the more stringent LEED v4 update and
can be shared with jurisdictions and agencies.

Q15: What happens to my projects currently pursuing LEED v4 Minimum Energy Performance and Optimize
Energy Performance? Will they be required to use these new requirements?

No. LEED v4 projects registered before the effective date of the update may apply the original requirements.

After ballot approval, notification will be published indicating the effective date of the LEED v4 update requirements.
LEED v4 projects registered after the effective date will be subject to the new LEED v4 requirements or may apply
LEED v4.1 credit substitution.

Q16: What approach can be used to ensure certification targets are met with the higher energy performance
requirements?

Projects are encouraged to apply an Integrative Design process that evaluates energy efficiency and decarbonization
options very early in the design process. Consider leveraging the guidance from ASHRAE Standard 209-2018 to
quantify the impact of design decisions on building performance and greenhouse gas emissions at the point in time
decisions are made.

For projects registered in 2016, just after LEED 2009 registration closed, the LEED v4 referenced performance
improvement thresholds for EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance and EA Credit Optimize Energy
Performance represented a significant departure from standard practice. Projects today can achieve the original
LEED v4 prerequisite plus several Optimize Energy Performance points using measures that have become standard
practice for new construction and tenant fit outs. Through the integrative design process, design and construction
teams can move beyond standard practice, and design projects that achieve meaningful greenhouse gas emissions
and energy savings, ensuring LEED certification targets are met.

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Stringency
Q17: How were the revised thresholds derived?

The revised thresholds were determined based on 2030 climate goals. Minimum improvement thresholds for the
prerequisite were linked to ASHRAE 90.1-2016 average improvements beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2010. Optimize Energy
Performance points are awarded based on incremental improvements to energy efficiency and greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions, with near zero GHG emissions required for projects achieving the maximum number of points.

Q18: What are the new performance percentage thresholds in this new energy update?

To understand the new thresholds in this update, please refer to the following charts. Note that the new thresholds
sum the points achieved from Table 1 (Cost or Source Energy) and Table 2 (Greenhouse Gas Emissions). Those
tables can be found in the credit library on the USGBC.org website.

The charts below assume an equal savings for the cost and greenhouse gas emissions metrics.

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Metrics
Q19: Are there ways to further incentivize electrification beyond what is in the proposed LEED v4 credit
language?

Yes, two pilot alternative compliance paths have been published to incentivize buildings that apply electrification in
conjunction with peak load reduction, energy efficiency, and/or renewable energy to achieve decarbonization goals:

o EApc160: Electrification ACP: Prescriptive Path

A simple, intuitive path, for new buildings to document achievement of decarbonization goals without
requiring detailed energy modeling:
- Part A: Reduce emissions from on-site combustion (4 to 7 points available dependent on
climate zone)
- Part B: Reduce heating and cooling peaks (6 points available)
- Part C: Reduce Energy Use (5 to 8 points available dependent on climate zone)
-
o EApc161: Electrification ACP: Energy Simulation Performance Path
Alternative metrics further incentivize electrification for projects modeled using LEED v4 or LEED v4.1
Option 1. Whole-building energy simulation.
- Replacing the cost metric, the Demand Adjusted Energy metric incentivizes electrification
paired with energy efficiency and peak electric loads reductions. adds an hourly electric
demand adjustment to the site energy consumption when electric demand is high.
- The greenhouse gas emissions metric references future emissions (using hourly long run
marginal emissions profiles where available), encouraging a project design that accounts
for anticipated rapid decarbonization of the electric grid.

(Note that the LEED v4 Table 1 and Table 2 percentage improvement thresholds referenced in EApc161 will be
updated to align with the thresholds referenced in the LEED v4 update upon ballot approval).

Q20: How will the source energy metric be defined?

Source energy is defined as the total amount of raw fuel that is required to operate the building, incorporating all
transmission, delivery, and production losses. Consistent with EB:O+M, the LEED BD+C and ID+C Reference guides
will probably reference the most recent published national average source-to-site conversion factors for each building
source. The Energy Star Portfolio Manager Technical Reference: Source Energy provides background on why
national source-site ratios provide the most equitable approach for comparisons of building energy efficiency relative
to a national peer group. By contrast, the Greenhouse Gas Emissions metric is specifically intended to differentiate
between more regional differences in electrical emissions.

On-site renewable generation will be treated in the same manner for the cost and source energy metric. Per ASHRAE
90.1-2010 Section G2.4, “On-site renewable energy sources or site-recovered energy shall not be considered to be
purchased energy and shall not be included in the proposed building performance.” Therefore, the source-to-site
factor will be counted as “zero” for on-site renewable energy generated on-site and used on-site (or net-metered on
an annual basis) with renewable attributes retained by the project.

The most recent national source-to-site factors currently available include:

• US National average source-to-site factors of 2.64 for electricity and 1.09 for natural gas. (ASHRAE 90.1-
2022: Table I5-1)
• Canada national average source-to-site factors of 1.93 for electricity and 1.01 for natural gas (Energy Star
Portfolio Manager Technical Reference: Source Energy)

For project locations outside the U.S. and Canada, the source-to-site factors will reference published national
averages calculated in a manner consistent with the Energy Star Portfolio Manager Technical Reference: Source

U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL 13

Energy. All purchased electricity and all purchased fuel would have a source-to-site factor of at least 1.0 based on
this methodology.

Q21: How can renewable energy be modeled for credit in the 90.1-2010 Appendix G model?

Under the proposed update, a project may either use documentation from LEED v4 EAc Renewable Energy
Production OR from credit substitution of LEED v4.1 EAc Renewable Energy Tier 1 On-site renewable energy or Tier
2 New Off-site renewable energy to claim credit within the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 energy model.

On-site renewable energy: For both EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance and EA Credit Optimize Energy
Performance, on-site renewable energy may be subtracted from the proposed building performance in accordance
with ASHRAE 90.1-2010 Section G2.4 (where on-site renewable energy is defined as energy generated from
renewable sources produced at the building site or contiguous campus, with renewable attributes retained by the
building owner.

Projects may claim credit for all on-site generation of electricity on an annual basis, up to 100% of the electricity
documented in the energy model (including electricity associated with District Energy Systems serving the project
documented using Full DES Performance Accounting). For the cost metric, the equivalent cost of the on-site
renewable energy system shall be calculated using a virtual rate or the actual utility tariff. The greenhouse gas
emissions metric shall be calculated in the same manner as the proposed design (either using annual average
greenhouse gas emission factors for each energy source or using hourly electric grid emissions).

Off-site renewable energy: Greenhouse gas emissions offset by community renewable systems documented under
LEED v4 EAc Renewable Energy Production, or for Tier 2 New off-site renewable electricity systems documented
under LEED v4.1 EAc Renewable Energy may be included in the model for achievement of points using the
greenhouse gas emissions calculation under EA credit Optimize Energy Performance, but may not be included in the
model for prerequisite compliance, or for the cost or source energy metrics.

For projects in the continental U.S., credit may only be modeled for off-site renewable assets where the hourly
generation profile and grid region is specified in the contract documentation, since the credit requires hourly modeling
of electric GHG emissions factors.

Q22: Can I model the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 Baseline heating as “Electric” when the project has a natural gas
DOAS?

No, the ASHRAE published guidance and LEED Interpretation 10285 remain unchanged in the update. However
refer to Question 7, EApc161 Energy Simulation Performance Path regarding a Pilot ACP with alternative metrics that
further incentivize electrification.

Q23: Why do you not require time of use (TOU) carbon accounting?

Time of use calculations remain too complex to require for all LEED projects due to availability of data and further
refinements required to the datasets that show time-of-use emissions factors. However, it is an option for all projects,
and remains a requirement for projects in the continental U.S. that are documenting credit for LEED v4.1 Tier 2
renewable energy within the Optimize Energy Performance submission.

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Multifamily
Q24: Can you summarize the additional changes for multifamily projects using LEED v4 BD+C: Multifamily
Midrise or BD+C: Homes?

The updates for LEED v4 BD+C: Multifamily Midrise projects include the changes listed above for EA Prerequisite
Minimum energy performance and EAc Annual Energy Use, as well as the following additional changes:

• Limited the magnitude of credit for Home Size Adjustment

• Updated the commissioning reference to current Energy Star Multifamily Homes New Construction (MFNC)
references, replacing obsolete High Rise program reference

For LEED v4 BD+C: Homes, the magnitude of credit for Home Size Adjustment was updated to align with the
changes to BD+C: Multifamily Midrise.

Q25: For Multifamily Midrise, why has the Home Size Adjustment been reduced?

The proposed update refocuses the credit on decarbonization through energy efficiency and renewable energy. More
than half of LEED points currently documented for Multifamily Residential projects are awarded for Home Size
Adjustment for dwelling unit sizes that are common in densely populated areas. The Home Size Adjustment (HSA)
was incorporated into LEED v4 Homes rating systems to credit projects that limit energy consumption by reducing
dwelling unit area.

However, LEED v4 Multifamily energy simulation results do not show statistically significant correlation between
home size and modeled energy consumption per bedroom, suggesting limited effectiveness of the HSA towards
achieving this intent. Therefore, the proposed update limits the magnitude of the Home Size Adjustment to ensure
that total EA Annual Energy points correspond to meaningful savings in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Q26: How will LEED v4 BD+C: Multifamily projects be able to leverage LEED v4.1 credit substitution, given
the difference in points for LEED v4 and LEED v4.1?

For LEED v4 BD+C: Multifamily projects, a path like Pilot ACP 111: Alternative Performance Rating Method is
planned concurrent with the LEED v4 balloted update to enable the use of the methodology from ASHRAE 90.1-2016
Appendix G (or later) in lieu of ASHRAE 90.1-2010. This path is likely to reference the same dual metrics and
thresholds as are referenced within the proposed LEED v4 update, with a Building Performance Factor roughly
aligned with ASHRAE 90.1-2010 performance compliance. Note that this path is anticipated to be specific to LEED v4
BD+C: Multifamily projects in lieu of LEED v4.1 credit substitution, since LEED v4.1: Residential Multifamily does not
have the same thirty points available under LEED v4 BD+C: Multifamily, nor the option to apply the Home Size
Adjuster.

Other prescriptive or streamlined paths referenced in LEED v4.1 BD+C Residential Multifamily and/or in LEED v4
Interpretations, such as ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction ERI Path or Prescriptive Path, Passive House
US, Pilot EApc160 Electrification ACP: Prescriptive Path, and the New Buildings Institute Multifamily Guide, will also
be evaluated for alignment with the LEED v4 updated requirements.

Q27: Can Multifamily projects document credit for new off-site renewable energy?

Yes, when applying the update, projects may document compliance with the LEED v4.1 BD+C EAc Renewable
energy credit criteria for Tier 2 renewable energy to claim greenhouse gas emissions savings for New Off-site
renewable energy generation in EAc Annual Energy Use. Projects in the continental U.S. must document hourly
emissions.

U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL 15