LEED v5 BD+C Rating System_November 2025_clean - Page 131

Extracted Content

Table 1. Refrigerant GWP benchmarks

GWP Benchmark*	Equipment and Systems
1,400	Heat pump service hot water heaters
700	HVAC
700	Data centers, computer room air conditioning, and information technology equipment cooling
700	Process chiller equipment or ice rink refrigeration equipment
300	All other process refrigeration for retail, industrial, or cold storage

AND/OR

Option 2. Limit Refrigerant Leakage (1 point)

Core and Shell only This option is only applicable to projects with at least 20% of total estimated heating and cooling generation capacity in the project scope of work.

Design, construct, and operate the project’s refrigerant-using equipment to minimize refrigerant leakage.

DESIGN

• Refrigerant-using equipment shall be self-contained, with no field-installed piping:

o For equipment with refrigerants > 700 GWP, AND

o For at least 80% of the total GWP of refrigerants used in the project

• Specify an automatic leak detection system in fully enclosed spaces with equipment that has an overall refrigerant charge exceeding 100 tCO2e.

INSTALLATION

• Field-installed refrigerant piping shall use brazed or press-type fittings.

OPERATION

• Have in place a refrigerant maintenance plan and designate a responsible oversight party. The plan shall include standards for recordkeeping and the following protocols:

o Updating the refrigerant inventory.

o Tracking and recording refrigerant charge and leakage rates for all refrigerant-using

equipment.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, November 2025 Edition 124