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Extracted Content

• Electrification readiness strategies incorporated into the initial design should be described along with a rough estimate of the avoided cost, avoided disruption, and avoided materials waste afforded by each readiness measure. Core and Shell projects should incorporate strategies to support tenant build-out and address future retrofits after tenant build-out. Some common readiness strategies include oversizing electrical panels and/or service or installing conduit for future loads, enhanced envelope, or heating distribution systems that can accommodate the lower temperatures of future heat pumps.

REQUIREMENTS EXPLAINED: NEW CONSTRUCTION

To help design teams understand their carbon emissions over time, USGBC provides each project with a visualization of its projected emissions over the next 25 years in the business as usual (BAU) scenario. BAU is the scenario in which the building’s operations don’t change. The USGBC projection assumes that every grid will decarbonize by 95% over that period — a directionally correct approximation.

This exercise illustrates that carbon emissions from electricity will diminish to near zero over the next 25 years, emissions from onsite combustion will remain constant, and emissions from electricity are not zero now and won’t be for some time, except for a few unique carbon-neutral grids.

This prerequisite has multiple requirements, working together to help project teams design more energy-efficient projects that shouldn’t require expensive retrofits to achieve low-carbon outcomes.

Design Analysis

Teams must analyze energy conservation measures and carbon reduction strategies early in design, creating impactful and cost-effective solutions that integrate into the project. Collaborative discussions with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners can lead to a holistic approach to decarbonization.

Analyze design options and develop alternatives that optimize efficiency measures, reduce peak loads, and prioritize decarbonization. Even a simple box energy model, with minimal zoning and basic project details, can generate valuable feedback on building massing, orientation, HVAC system selection, and lighting power density.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 204