Electrification encouraged through new ACPs

In recognition of the important role electrification plays in reducing operational carbon, the USGBC is piloting two new Alternative Compliance Paths (pilot ACPs) for LEED v4/4.1 BD+C (including Multifamily):

• EApc160—Electrification ACP: Prescriptive Path
• EApc161—Electrification ACP: Energy Simulation Performance Path (also applicable to LEED v4/v4.1 ID+C)

As noted in the pilot ACPs, for the world to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050, all new buildings must:

• Be built capable of running without onsite combustion except at very low outdoor temperatures,
• Have low peak heating and cooling loads,
• Reduce other energy loads and invest in renewable power.

Pilot ACP 160 provides a simple, intuitive “prescriptive” path option with similarities to CAGBC’s Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard. LEED credit is earned through measures such as electrifying space heating and hot water; restricting combustion in residential cooking; employing ventilation heat recovery; and reducing peak thermal loading. CAGBC feels this Pilot ACP is a significant step forward and will both interest and benefit Canadian project teams.

Both ACPs replace the EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance and EA Credit: Optimize Energy Performance and if used, are worth equivalent points. Note, under LEED v4 Midrise Multifamily, the pilot ACPs replace the EAp Minimum Energy Performance Whole-Building Energy Simulation requirements, and the EAc Annual Energy Use requirements.

More detailed direction for Pilot ACP 160 is available through the guidance document found in the credit’s resources tab. For Pilot ACP 161, an additional calculator in available in the resources tab: the ‘LEED Hourly Cambium, Demand Adjusted Energy Metrics Calculator’.

We encourage you to explore these new pilot ACPs on your LEED v4/4.1 projects. Be sure to register for the pilot ACPs to utilize them and provide feedback through the available forums to assist in their continued development.

For a full listing of new ACPs, updated ACPs and recently closed ACPs, check out the USGBC February update.