855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 211

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LEED v5 offers a new prescriptive option for the full achievement of points. ( EAc3: Enhanced Energy Efficiency ).

The additional decarbonization strategies represent industry-leading best practices, found in EAc5: Enhanced Commissioning, EAc4: Renewable Energy, and EAc6: Grid Interactive, as well as in the prerequisite and credit for Refrigerant Management. Carried over from earlier versions of LEED and refined in LEED v5, these approaches continue to be highly effective in reducing carbon emissions and minimizing energy waste.

LEED v5 Platinum-certified projects will achieve industry best practices for energy efficiency, eliminate on-site combustion (except for emergency and backup needs), use 100% renewable energy, and reduce embodied carbon.

Quality of life When buildings reduce emissions and energy demand while using technology to communicate with the grid, they’ll ensure optimal operations. These measures also enhance the value they serve to the community. Teams are encouraged to work toward reducing air leakage from the envelope and mechanical systems while incentivizing energy storage opportunities ( EAc2: Reduce Peak Thermal Loads, EAc6: Grid Interactive ). Combining these strategies with an energy-efficient design and electrified operations can lead to a more resilient and reliable building.

LEED v5 EA prerequisites and credits provide clear paths to greater efficiency and reduced costs and emissions. These tactics help enhance energy and carbon literacy in the building industries, empowering communities to achieve energy and carbon neutrality by 2050.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 201