Fundamental Refrigerant Management: Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite for LEED Existing building (O+M)

The use of refrigerants in heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems can have a significant impact on the environment, especially when it comes to stratospheric ozone depletion. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system has recognized this issue and has included a prerequisite for Fundamental Refrigerant Management in its Existing Buildings (O+M) and Interiors rating systems.

Intent

The intent of this prerequisite is to reduce stratospheric ozone depletion by minimizing the use of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-based refrigerants in HVAC&R systems.

Requirements

The LEED prerequisite requires that CFC-based refrigerants should not be used in HVAC&R systems unless a third-party audit shows that system replacement or conversion is not economically feasible, or unless a phase-out plan for CFC-based refrigerants is in place. If CFC-based refrigerants are maintained in the project, the annual leakage must be reduced to 5% or less using the procedures in the Clean Air Act, Title VI, Rule 608, governing refrigerant management and reporting. The total leakage over the remaining life of the unit should be less than 30% of its refrigerant charge.

Small HVAC&R units, standard refrigerators, small water coolers, and any other cooling equipment that contains less than 0.5 pound (225 grams) of refrigerant are exempt from this prerequisite.

Guidance

To meet the credit requirements, the LEED v4 reference guide provides guidance on the necessary documentation, including confirmation that no CFC-based refrigerants are included in any new mechanical cooling or refrigeration equipment serving the project, confirmation that a comprehensive phase-out plan for CFC-based refrigerants is in place, and confirmation that refrigerant leakage rate or quantity requirements have been met.

Documentation

The following documentation is required to demonstrate compliance with the Fundamental Refrigerant Management prerequisite:

1. Confirmation that no CFC-based refrigerants are included in any new mechanical cooling or refrigeration equipment serving the project.
2. Fundamental Refrigerant Management Calculator.
3. Confirmation that a comprehensive phase-out plan for CFC-based refrigerants is in place.
4. Confirmation that refrigerant leakage rate or quantity requirements have been met.
5. If applicable, details of an audit conducted demonstrating that a CFC phase-out is not economically feasible.

The Fundamental Refrigerant Management prerequisite for LEED Existing Building (O+M) and Interiors aims to reduce stratospheric ozone depletion by minimizing the use of CFC-based refrigerants in HVAC&R systems. Compliance with this prerequisite requires a comprehensive phase-out plan for CFC-based refrigerants, reduced annual leakage, and an economic analysis for the replacement or conversion of HVAC&R equipment. By implementing these measures, existing buildings can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment.