855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 395
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Installation For projects that include field-installed piping, install piping in a manner that limits leakage. Use brazed or press type fittings to minimize the potential for refrigerant leaks.
Install automatic leak detection systems in any fully enclosed space that houses equipment with an overall refrigerant charge greater than 100 tCO2e. (tCO2e is a metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent, where a metric ton equals 1,000 kg or 2,205 lbs.)
Operations Maintaining systems during operations provides continued assurance that refrigerant leaks are identified as soon as possible, reducing GWP for leakage. Teams must develop a refrigerant maintenance plan that requires updates to the refrigerant inventory, tracking and recording of refrigerant charge and leakage rates, routine pressure testing on required systems, annual audits, and calibration of automatic leak detection system devices.
Major leaks identified during operations require immediate corrective action. Additionally, where leakage exceeds 1% of the total annual refrigerant recharge, teams must conduct additional testing and repairs, to reduce the total leakage of the system. This ensures systems operate as intended and minimizes global warming associated with leakage.
Teams must designate a key individual or the appropriate management team to manage and enforce the plan.
Core and Shell Projects
OPTION 1. NO REFRIGERANTS OR LOW GWP REFRIGERANTS
Path 1. No Refrigerants
To be eligible for Path 1, demonstrate that additional equipment is not required to meet the project’s heating and cooling load.
This path is not available to projects where mechanical heating or cooling are likely to be installed during tenant buildout, even for a single space such as an office space in a large unconditioned warehouse.
Projects that do not install equipment as part of the base scope are ineligible for this option.
Path 2. Low GWP Refrigerants
Teams must include any new refrigerant-containing equipment installed during the project’s scope of work. Future tenant equipment may be excluded. Core and shell projects may also
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 385