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developing new alternative refrigerants, projects can find cost-effective solutions that meet efficiency and environmental goals.

EQUIPMENT WITH GWP > 700

During the design process, if the specifications reference equipment with refrigerant GWP exceeding 700 or do not specify the refrigerant(s) to use, develop a list of alternative equipment options with refrigerant GWP less than or equal to 700. Review all proposed options with the owner.

Refrigerant properties vary in efficiency, toxicity, flammability, volumetric capacity, and pressure ratings. Not all refrigerants are interchangeable within a piece of equipment or system. Therefore, completing this evaluation early in design provides the most benefit.

For applications where a GWP less than 700 is impractical, consider using reclaimed refrigerant instead of newly manufactured virgin refrigerant to limit the overall impact.

• Table 1 provides a common list of refrigerants and their GWP, adapted from the Net Zero Carbon Guide and The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI).

Table 1. Common refrigerants and their applications

Refrigerant	Classification	GWP	Common system applications
R404A	HFC blend	3,920	Low-medium temperature commercial refrigeration Low-medium temperature industrial refrigeration Ice Machines
R410A	HFC	2,088	Conventional VRF systems Heat pumps Chillers
R22	HCFC	1,810	Commercial refrigeration Industrial refrigeration Commercial air conditioning Residential air conditioning
R134a	HFC	1,430	Heat pumps Chillers
R32	HFC	633	Hybrid VRF systems Heat pumps Chillers
R513A	HFO	573	Medium temperature commercial refrigeration Medium temperature industrial refrigeration Chillers Air conditioning units Heat pumps
R600 (Butane)	HC	4	Heat pumps Chillers

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 262