441

ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE CREDIT

Enhanced Refrigerant
Management
This credit applies to:
New Construction (1 point) Data Centers (1 point)
Core and Shell (1 point) Warehouses and Distribution Centers (1 point)
Schools (1 point) Hospitality (1 point)
Retail (1 point) Healthcare (1 point)

EA
ENHANCED REFRIGERANT MANAGEMENT
INTENT

To reduce ozone depletion and support early compliance with the

Montreal Protocol while minimizing direct contributions to climate
change.

REQUIREMENTS

NEW CONSTRUCTION, CORE AND SHELL, SCHOOLS, DATA CENTERS, WAREHOUSES AND DISTRIBUTION
CENTERS, HOSPITALITY, HEALTHCARE

OPTION 1. NO REFRIGERANTS OR LOW-IMPACT REFRIGERANTS (1 POINT)

Do not use refrigerants, or use only refrigerants (naturally occurring or synthetic) that have an ozone depletion
potential (ODP) of zero and a global warming potential (GWP) of less than 50.

OR

OPTION 2. CALCULATION OF REFRIGERANT IMPACT (1 POINT)

Select refrigerants that are used in heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) equipment
to minimize or eliminate the emission of compounds that contribute to ozone depletion and climate change. The
combination of all new and existing base building and tenant HVAC&R equipment that serve the project must
comply with the following formula:
442

IP Units SI Units

LCGWP + LCODP × 105 ≤ 100 LCGWP + LCODP × 105 ≤ 13

Calculation definitions for LCGWP + LCODP × 105 ≤ 100 Calculation definitions for LCGWP + kg CFC 11/(kW/year) x 105 ≤ 13
(IP units) (SI units)

LCODP = [ODPr × (Lr × Life + Mr) × Rc] / Life kg CFC 11/(kW/year) = [ODPr × (Lr × Life + Mr) × Rc ] / Life

LCGWP = [GWPr × (Lr × Life + Mr) × Rc] / Life LCGWP = [GWPr × (Lr × Life + Mr) × Rc] / Life

LCODP: Lifecycle Ozone Depletion Potential kg CFC 11/(kW/year): Lifecycle Ozone Depletion Potential
(lb CFC 11/ Ton-Year) (lb CFC 11/Ton-Year)

LCGWP: Lifecycle Direct Global Warming Potential LCGWP: Lifecycle Direct Global Warming Potential
(lb CO2 /Ton-Year) (kg CO2 /kW-year)

GWPr: Global Warming Potential of Refrigerant GWPr: Global Warming Potential of Refrigerant
(0 to 12,000 lb CO2 / lbr) (0 to 12,000 kg CO2 /kg r)

ODPr: Ozone Depletion Potential of Refrigerant ODPr: Ozone Depletion Potential of Refrigerant
(0 to 0.2 lb CFC 11/lbr) (0 to 0.2 kg CFC 11/kg r)

Lr: Refrigerant Leakage Rate (2.0%) Lr: Refrigerant Leakage Rate (2.0%)

Mr: End-of-life Refrigerant Loss (10%) Mr: End-of-life Refrigerant Loss (10%)

Rc: Refrigerant Charge (0.5 to 5.0 lbs of refrigerant per ton of Rc: Refrigerant Charge (0.065 to 0.65 kg of refrigerant per kW of AHRI
gross AHRI rated cooling capacity) rated or Eurovent Certified cooling capacity)
EA

Life: Equipment Life (10 years; default based on equipment Life: Equipment Life (10 years; default based on equipment type, unless
type, unless otherwise demonstrated) otherwise demonstrated)
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

For multiple types of equipment, calculate a weighted average of all base building HVAC&R equipment, using the
following formula:

IP UNITS SI UNITS

∑
[( LCGWP + LCODP × 105
)× Qunit
] ≤ 100
∑ [( LCGWP + LCODP × 105 )× ]
Qunit

≤ 13
Qtotal Qtotal

CALCULATION DEFINITIONS FOR (IP UNITS) CALCULATION DEFINITIONS FOR (SI UNITS)

∑
[( LCGWP + LCODP × 105
)× Qunit
] ≤ 100
∑
[( LCGWP + LCODP × 105
)× ]
Qunit

≤ 13
Qtotal Qtotal

Qunit = Gross AHRI rated cooling capacity of an individual HVAC Qunit = Eurovent Certified cooling capacity of an individual HVAC
or refrigeration unit (Tons) or refrigeration unit (kW)
Qtotal = Total gross AHRI rated cooling capacity of all HVAC or Qtotal = Total Eurovent Certified cooling capacity of all HVAC or
refrigeration refrigeration (kW)
 443

RETAIL

Meet Option 1 or 2 for all HVAC systems.

Stores with commercial refrigeration systems must comply with the following.
·· Use only non-ozone-depleting refrigerants.
·· Select equipment with an average HFC refrigerant charge of no more than 1.75 pounds of refrigerant per 1,000
Btu/h (2.72 kg of refrigerant per kW) total evaporator cooling load.
·· Demonstrate a predicted store-wide annual refrigerant emissions rate of no more than 15%. Conduct leak
testing using the procedures in GreenChill’s best practices guideline for leak tightness at installation.

Alternatively, stores with commercial refrigeration systems may provide proof of attainment of EPA GreenChill’s
silver-level store certification for newly constructed stores.

EA
ENHANCED REFRIGERANT MANAGEMENT
444

BEHIND THE INTENT

This credit addresses the two main threats to the environment posed by refrigerants: their ozone depletion potential
(ODP) and global warming potential (GWP).
As is well known, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and other ozone-depleting
substances commonly used in refrigerants contribute to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. Yet
refrigerants released into the atmosphere also contribute to global climate change, having a disproportionately large
effect compared with other greenhouse gases. For example, HCFC-22 contributes to warming at 1,780 times the
potency of an equal amount of carbon dioxide.
However, trade-offs also exist between the above concerns and energy use. Alternatives to CFC and HCFC
refrigerants, such as HFC-410A, have a lower GWP when directly released, but their use may require more energy—
which also affects climate. Conversely, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems may improve energy efficiency but
have a higher refrigerant charge.
Careful consideration of the refrigerant requirements of energy systems and appliances can improve
performance and reduce operating cost. Refrigerants vary in operating pressure, material compatibility,
flammability, and toxicity. Operating pressure and material compatibility are particularly critical factors to take into
account when refrigerants in existing equipment are replaced.
The refrigerant impact calculation addresses the overall effect of each refrigerant’s ODP and GWP combined by
accounting for these interrelated factors.
EA

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDANCE
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

STEP 1. GATHER INFORMATION ON SYSTEMS AND REFRIGERANTS IN PROJECT

Identify all HVAC&R equipment that contains refrigerants and record the refrigerant charge and type for
existing and new units. Project teams may incorporate the credit requirements and equations into project
specifications if needed. Projects that retain CFCs past initial occupancy, even if using a phase-out plan
to meet the requirements of EA Prerequisite Fundamental Refrigerant Management, are ineligible for this
credit.
·· Small systems with less than 0.5 pound (225 grams) of refrigerants, such as individual water fountains
or stand-alone refrigerators, do not need to be included in credit calculations.
·· Unit charge information is often not available for new equipment until contractor submittals are
provided (particularly for split systems) because the charge depends on the length of refrigerant
piping runs.
·· If a district energy system (DES) serves the project, data for the refrigerant-using equipment in the
DES must be collected.

STEP 2. SELECT ONE OPTION

Choose the appropriate option for the project.
·· Option 1 is for projects that have no refrigerants and projects with refrigerants that have an ODP of
zero and a GWP of less than 50 (see Further Explanation, Designing for No Refrigerants or Low-Impact
Refrigerant Use). These projects achieve the credit; no additional steps are required.
·· Option 2 is for projects whose refrigerants exceed the Option 1 limit.

Option 2. Refrigerant Impact Calculation

STEP 1. CALCULATE REFRIGERANT IMPACT OF PROPOSED SYSTEMS

To determine the environmental effects of HVAC&R systems containing refrigerants, apply the following
assumptions. Assume the ODP and GWP values listed in Table 1.
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TABLE 1. Ozone depletion and global warming potentials of common refrigerants

Refrigerant ODPr GWPr Common building application

Chlorofluorocarbons

CFC-11 1.0 4,680 Centrifugal chiller

CFC-12 1.0 10,720 Refrigerators, chiller

CFC-114 0.94 9,800 Centrifugal chiller

CFC-500 0.605 7,900 Centrifugal chiller, humidifier

CFC-502 0.221 4,600 Low-temperature refrigeration

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons

HCFC-22 0.04 1,780 Air-conditioning, chiller

HCFC-123 0.02 76 CFC-11 replacement

Hydrofluorocarbons

HFC-23 ~0 12,240 Ultra-low-temperature refrigeration

HFC-134a ~0 1,320 CFC-12 or HCFC-22 replacement

EA
HFC-245fa ~0 1,020 Insulation agent, centrifugal chiller

HFC-404A ~0 3,900 Low-temperature refrigeration

ENHANCED REFRIGERANT MANAGEMENT

HFC-407C ~0 1,700 HCFC-22 replacement

HFC-410A ~0 1,890 Air-conditioning

HFC-507A ~0 3,900 Low-temperature refrigeration

Natural refrigerants

Carbon dioxide (CO2) 0 1.0

Ammonia (NH3) 0 0

Propane 0 3

Assume equipment life according to Table 2. For any HVAC&R equipment not listed, assume an
equipment life of 10 years. Different values for equipment life may be substituted, with manufacturers’
documentation.
For existing equipment, apply the default equipment life according to Table 2. The equation is based on
refrigerant impact spread over the life of the equipment; estimated remaining equipment life should not
be substituted because it would provide inaccurate results.

TABLE 2. Default equipment life

Equipment Default equipment life

Window air-conditioner, heat pump 10 years

Unitary, split, packaged air-conditioner, package heat pump 15 years

Reciprocating and scroll compressor, reciprocating chiller 20 years

Absorption chiller 23 years

Water-cooled packaged air-conditioner 24 years

Centrifugal chiller 25 years

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Assume that refrigerant leakage rate (Lr) is 2% per year and end-of-life refrigerant loss (Mr) is 10%,
for all equipment types. No alternative values may be substituted for these percentages (see Further
Explanation, Examples).
Refrigerant charge (Rc) is the ratio of the total refrigerant used in a piece of equipment to the total
cooling capacity of that equipment, expressed in pounds per ton or kilograms per kW. For example,
if a packaged air-conditioning unit uses 7 pounds of refrigerant and its cooling capacity is 5 tons, the
refrigerant charge is 1.4.

STEP 2. INCORPORATE DESIGN CRITERIA INTO PROJECT PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

If calculations were performed during design, use the results to specify the maximum refrigerant
charge for the HVAC equipment. When the project is under construction, review equipment submittals
from the mechanical contractor to verify that the equipment and refrigerant charge meet the design
specifications.

FURTHER EXPLANATION
EA

CALCULATIONS

Weighted Average Refrigerant Impact for the Project Building

LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

The project team must develop a weighted average calculation based on both downstream and upstream equipment.
The weighted average is based on the entire downstream equipment capacity, but only the designed capacity of the
equipment being served by the district cooling plant, not the entire capacity of the district cooling plant.

{ ( ) ( )
}
Project building Chilled water central Project building Project building
design chilled water × plant refrigerant + refrigerant systems’ × refrigerant
cooling load impact value total capacity impact value

Project building refrigerant Project building design

systems’ total capacity
+ chilled water cooling load

For example, a building has 50 tons of packaged equipment with a refrigerant impact value of 150 per ton. The district
energy plant has a refrigerant impact value of 70 per ton and a total capacity of 1,000 tons. The building also has a
designed 500 tons of equipment served by the district cooling plant. The weighted average impact is calculated as
follows:

{ ( ) ( )
}
500 tons × 70 + 50 tons × 150

= 77.3 weighted average

(
refrigerant impact
500 tons + 50 tons
)
OPTIMIZING HVAC SYSTEMS TO MINIMIZE REFRIGERANT IMPACT
Avoiding equipment with a high refrigerant charge, such as multiple small packaged units or split systems, can
make this credit easier to achieve. Systems that use chillers or a central plant are more likely to meet the credit
requirements. If possible, incorporate indirect or direct evaporative cooling.
 447

For renovations, consider retrofitting or replacing existing HVAC systems to minimize ODP and GWP contributions.
Assess whether equipment replacement or refrigerant conversion is economical. Equipment that is easily accessible
and has a high run time may be a candidate for refrigerant swap with a reasonable return on investment.

EXAMPLES
Example calculation 1. The cooling equipment for a school consists of the following systems:
·· Twelve 5-ton packaged HVAC units with HFC-410A for classrooms
·· One 2-ton split system HVAC unit with HCFC-22 for a data room
·· One 1-ton window HVAC unit with HCFC-22 for an office

TABLE 3. Example calculations for school

Inputs

Units Qunit (tons) Refrigerant GWPr ODPr Rc (lb/ton) Life (yrs.) Lr (%) Mr (%)

12 5 R-410A 1,890 0 1.8 15 2 10

1 2 R-22 1,780 0.04 3.3 15 2 10

1 1 R-22 1,780 0.04 2.1 10 2 10

Qtotal 63

EA
Average refrigerant atmospheric impact = ∑ (LCGWP + LCODP × 105) × Qunit) / Qtotal 108.33

Result: Average refrigerant impact has a value greater than 100, therefore this project does not earn this credit

ENHANCED REFRIGERANT MANAGEMENT

TABLE 3 (CONTINUED). Example calculations for school

Calculations

LCODP^10^5 Refrigerant atmospheric impact

Tr Total Leakage LCGWP (LCGWP + LCODP × 105 ×
100,000 × (ODPr × =
(Lr × Life +Mr) (GWPr × Tr × Rc) / Life N × Qunit
Tr × Rc) / Life LCGWP + LCODP × 105

40% 90.72 0 90.7 5,443

40% 156.6 352 508.6 1,017

30% 112.1 252 364.1 364

Subtotal 6,825

Average refrigerant atmospheric impact = ∑ (LCGWP + LCODP × 10 ) × Qunit) / Qtotal 108.33

5

Result: Average refrigerant impact has a value greater than 100, therefore this project does not earn this credit

Example calculation 2. The cooling equipment in an office building consists of the following systems:
·· One 500-ton centrifugal chiller with HFC-134a
·· One 50-ton reciprocating “pony” chiller with HCFC-22
·· Five 10-ton computer room air-conditioning units with HCFC-22
448

TABLE 4. Example calculations for office building

Inputs

Units Qunit (tons) Refrigerant GWPr ODPr Rc (lb/ton) Life (yrs.) Lr (%) Mr (%)

1 500 R-134a 1,320 0 2 25 2 10

1 50 R-22 1,780 0.04 2.1 20 2 10

5 10 R-22 1,780 0.04 2.4 15 2 10

Qtotal 600

Average refrigerant atmospheric impact = ∑ (LCGWP + LCODP × 105) × Qunit) / Qtotal 108.92

Result: Average refrigerant impact has a value greater than 100, therefore this project does not earn this credit.

TABLE 4 (CONTINUED). Example calculations for office building

Calculations

LCODP^10^5 Refrigerant atmospheric impact

Tr Total Leakage LCGWP (LCGWP + LCODP ×
× 100,000 =
(Lr × Life +Mr) (GWPr × Tr × Rc) / Life 105 × N × Qunit
(ODPr × Tr × Rc) / Life LCGWP + LCODP × 105

60% 63.36 0 63.36 31,680

EA

50% 93.5 210 303 15,173

40% 113.9 256 369.9 18,496

LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Subtotal 65,349

Average refrigerant atmospheric impact = ∑ (LCGWP + LCODP × 105) × Qunit) / Qtotal 108.92

Result: Average refrigerant impact has a value greater than 100, therefore this project does not earn this credit.

Example calculation 3. A hotel’s cooling system includes the following equipment:

·· Three 1400-kW centrifugal chillers with HCFC-123
·· One 140-kW commercial refrigeration compressor rack with HCFC-22
·· Twelve 7-kW telephone and data room split-system cooling units with HCFC-22

TABLE 5. Example calculations for hotel

Inputs

Units Qunit (kW) Refrigerant GWPr ODPr Rc (kg/kW) Life (yrs.) Lr (%) Mr (%)

3 1 400 R-123 76 0.02 0.21 25 2 10

1 140 R-22 1,780 0.04 0.27 20 2 10

12 7 R-22 1,780 0.04 0.4 15 2 10

Qtotal 4 424

Average refrigerant atmospheric impact = ∑ (LCGWP + LCODP × 105) × Qunit) / Qtotal 12.34

Result: Average refrigerant impact has a value less than or equal to 13, therefore this project earns this credit.
 449

TABLE 5 (CONTINUED). Example calculations for hotel

Calculations

Refrigerant atmospheric impact

Tr Total Leakage LCGWP LCODP ×
= (LCGWP + LCODP × 105 x N x Qunit
(Lr × Life +Mr) (GWPr × Tr × Rc) / Life 100,000
LCGWP + LCODP × 105

60% .38 10.08 10.46 43 932

50% 12.02 27 39.02 5 462.8

40% 18.99 42.67 61.66 5 179.44

Subtotal 54 574.24

Average refrigerant atmospheric impact = ∑ (LCGWP + LCODP × 105) × Qunit) / Qtotal 12.34

Result: Average refrigerant impact has a value less than or equal to 13, therefore this project earns this credit.

Example calculation 4. The cooling equipment in an apartment building consists of four 8-ton outdoor VRF units.
Each unit has a base refrigerant amount of 16.5 pounds and an additional refrigerant amount of 2.7 pounds for
distribution, which must be included. The Rc for each unit is (16.5 pounds + 2.7 pounds) / 8 tons = 2.4 pounds / ton.

EA
TABLE 6. Example calculations for apartment building

Inputs

Qunit Rc (lb/ Life Lr Mr

ENHANCED REFRIGERANT MANAGEMENT

Units Refrigerant GWPr ODPr
(tons) ton) (yrs.) (%) (%)

4 8 R-410A 1,890 0 2.4 15 2 10

Qtotal 32

Average refrigerant atmospheric impact = ∑ (LCGWP + LCODP × 105) × Qunit) / Qtotal 120.96

Result: Average refrigerant impact has a value greater than 100, therefore this project does not earn this
credit

TABLE 6 (CONTINUED). Example calculations for apartment building

Calculations

Refrigerant atmospheric impact

Tr Total Leakage LCGWP LCODP × 105 × 100,000 (LCGWP + LCODP × 105 × N
=
(Lr × Life + Mr) (GWPr × Tr × Rc) / Life (ODPr × Tr × Rc) / Life × Qunit
LCGWP + LCODP × 105

40% 120.96 0 120.96 3,871

Subtotal 3,871

Average refrigerant atmospheric impact = ∑ (LCGWP + LCODP × 10 ) × Qunit) / Qtotal 120.96

5

Result: Average refrigerant impact has a value greater than 100, therefore this project does not earn this credit

DESIGNING FOR NO REFRIGERANTS OR LOW-IMPACT REFRIGERANT USE

In some cases, cooling needs can be met without vapor compression HVAC equipment. This can be possible in
buildings that are designed for natural ventilation and have very low cooling loads. Optimizing the following
non-HVAC design elements can help reduce the project building’s cooling load:
·· Massing
·· Building orientation
·· Window-to-wall ratio
450

·· Glazing properties
·· Shading
·· Insulation
·· Lighting and equipment power density

Determine whether natural refrigerants like carbon dioxide, ammonia, or water can be used to meet cooling needs
or other building goals. Absorption chillers, for example, are compatible with refrigerants like ammonia, and carbon
dioxide is popular for low-temperature cooling applications.
Heat from the refrigeration process can be recovered for other uses, like service hot water heating. To reduce
peak cooling requirements for ventilation air, use air-side energy recovery.

EVAPORATIVE COOLING
Another strategy for minimizing refrigerant charge is to incorporate direct or indirect evaporative cooling. Table 7
outlines the most favorable circumstances for this approach to refrigerant impact reduction.

TABLE 7. Evaporative cooling scenarios

Direct evaporative cooling Indirect evaporative cooling

Hot and dry climates with design wet-bulb temperatures Hot and dry climates with design wet-bulb temperatures
68°F (20°C) or lower 68°F (20°C) or lower
EA

Pretreatment of outside air for systems with higher latent loads,

Residential, light commercial, industrial or other spaces with
such as densely occupied office spaces, and need to
low latent heat gain
control humidity
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Indirect and direct evaporative cooling can be combined for greater efficiency. An indirect cooler lowers the
temperature of air and reduces the air’s moisture content; a direct cooler then cools the air further and restores
humidity to the air.

RATING SYSTEM VARIATIONS

Core and Shell
If the core and shell project does not include all HVAC associated with anticipated work by the tenant but the project
team would like to include those systems to achieve the credit, documentation must be supported by the tenant sales
or lease agreement.

Retail
For Retail HVAC systems, use the calculation methodology and assumptions listed for all projects.

Retail projects with commercial refrigeration systems may either follow the prescriptive criteria or pursue
certification through U.S. EPA GreenChill’s certification program for newly constructed stores. If pursuing EPA
certification, follow the certification steps outlined on the program website.
If following prescriptive requirements, have the commercial refrigeration equipment tested for leaks according
to the procedures outlined in GreenChill’s Best Practices Guideline for Leak Tightness at Installation. The leak
testing is required for GreenChill certification but the guidelines are applicable to any retail project, including
international projects, regardless of whether the building is pursuing GreenChill certification. The installer is
typically responsible for conducting leak testing after installation. Include requirements in the contract with the
commercial refrigerant installer. The commissioning scope may also include verification of proper leak testing, but
this is not required.
Non-Retail projects that have commercial refrigeration systems may follow the prescriptive criteria available
to retail projects for commercial refrigeration systems. Both these prescriptive criteria for the commercial
refrigeration systems and the credit requirements for the HVAC refrigerant-using systems must be met to achieve
credit compliance in this case.
 451

PROJECT TYPE VARIATIONS

District Energy Systems
If a project has only downstream refrigeration equipment, only that equipment must be included in the refrigerant
impact calculation. If a project has only upstream refrigeration equipment, only that equipment must be included in
the refrigerant impact calculation. If a project has both downstream and upstream refrigeration equipment, use the
following procedure to show credit compliance.
Complete two separate refrigerant impact calculations: one to calculate the refrigerant impact using only the
downstream equipment and another using only the upstream equipment.
If both calculations meet the credit requirements, the project team has demonstrated credit compliance. If
neither calculation meets the credit requirements, the project cannot achieve this credit. If one calculation fails but
the other passes, the project team may demonstrate compliance using the weighted average refrigerant impact for
the project building (see Further Explanation, Calculations).

CAMPUS
Group Approach
Submit separate documentation for each building.

Campus Approach
Option 1. Eligible.

EA
Option 2. Ineligible. Each LEED project may pursue the credit individually.

Documentation Option 1 Option 2

ENHANCED REFRIGERANT MANAGEMENT

Confirmation that only no or low-impact refrigerants are used X
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Equipment type X

Refrigerant charge calculations (for VRF systems only) X

Equipment cooling capacity X

Provide refrigerant equipment schedule or GreenChill certification

X
(commercial refrigeration systems)

Equipment quantity X

Refrigerant type X

Refrigerant charge (plus supporting documentation, if applicable) X

Equipment life (plus supporting documentation, if applicable) X

Leak test results (commercial refrigeration systems only) X

RELATED CREDIT TIPS

EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance. Alternatives to CFCs and HCFCs, such as HFC-410A, have lower
refrigerant impacts but may require higher levels of energy use. Variable refrigerant flow and some split systems
rarely meet the requirements of this credit because of the long refrigerant piping runs and the high quantity of
refrigerant needed.
452

CHANGES FROM LEED 2009

Sector-specific requirements have been added for commercial refrigeration equipment.

REFERENCED STANDARDS
None.

EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE
Not available.

DEFINITIONS
district energy system (DES) a central energy conversion plant and transmission and distribution system that
provides thermal energy to a group of buildings (e.g., a central cooling plant on a university campus). It does not
EA

include central energy systems that provide only electricity.

downstream equipment the heating and cooling systems, equipment, and controls located in the project building
or on the project site and associated with transporting the thermal energy of the district energy system (DES) into
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

heated and cooled spaces. Downstream equipment includes the thermal connection or interface with the DES,
secondary distribution systems in the building, and terminal units.

natural refrigerant a compound that is not manmade and is used for cooling. Such substances generally have much
lower potential for atmospheric damage than manufactured chemical refrigerants. Examples include water, carbon
dioxide, and ammonia.

upstream equipment a heating or cooling system or control associated with the district energy system (DES) but
not part of the thermal connection or interface with the DES. Upstream equipment includes the thermal energy
conversion plant and all the transmission and distribution equipment associated with transporting the thermal
energy to the project building or site.