If your team is pursuing LEED v4 certification, and your project was registered after March 1, 2024, there’s a significant energy update for prerequisite EA Minimum Energy Performance and credit EA Optimize Energy Performance. While the referenced energy standard remains ASHRAE 90.1-2010, the updated credit structure introduces new performance thresholds and a focus on both energy savings and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions.
GHT has completed more than 200 LEED certified projects and counting. With in-house experts who stay on top of these evolving requirements, we’re here to help you navigate the changes.
Key Changes in the LEED v4 Energy Update
Energy performance thresholds have increased. For BD+C projects, the prerequisite now requires a 10% improvement (up from 5%) for New Construction and 8% (up from 2%) for Core and Shell. Credit points start at 20% and 10%, respectively. For ID+C projects, the prerequisite requires a 6% or 8% reduction, depending on the baseline envelope reference, and points begin at 8% or 10% compared to 90.1-2010.
The prescriptive pathway has been removed. Project teams who want to pursue a prescriptive approach must substitute the LEED v4.1 version of the credit if eligible, which uses ASHRAE 90.1-2016 as the baseline and includes mandatory requirements, or BD+C projects may use the Electrification Pilot Alternative Compliance Path.
Greenhouse gas emissions are now part of the point structure, with separate tables for energy savings (based on cost or source energy reduction) and GHG reductions.
Electrification and on-site renewable energy are incentivized through the greenhouse gas emissions table.
Energy modeling is required for all projects registering after March 1, unless using a compliant v4.1 substitution or alternative compliance pathway.
Breakdown by Project Type
For BD+C Projects:
- Prerequisite: 10% improvement for New Construction, 8% for Core & Shell
- Credit points start at 20% (NC) or 10% (CS)
- Prescriptive compliance is only allowed through:
- Pilot Alternative Compliance Path
- v4.1 Credit Substitution (Options 2 or 3), complying with 90.1-2016 mandatory requirements. Projects must meet size requirements to be eligible for these options.
For ID+C Projects:
- Prerequisite: 6% or 8% improvement (up from 3%), depending on envelope baseline
- Credit thresholds start at 8% or 10%, depending on envelope baseline
- Prescriptive path must use v4.1 and comply with 90.1-2016 mandatory requirements.
Why It Matters
Earning energy-related LEED points is now more demanding, as v4 removes the prescriptive path. Early energy modeling and integrative design are crucial. An MEP engineer familiar with v4 and v4.1 changes can optimize your certification strategy and increase your chances of a higher rating.
Our team brings decades of experience, deep technical knowledge, and a strong track record in sustainable design and consulting. We’ve successfully guided clients through LEED, WELL, and other sustainability frameworks, and we’re prepared to help you adjust to the latest LEED updates with clarity and confidence.