NECB 2020 recognized within the zEPI Pilot ACP

The zero Energy Performance Index (zEPI) pilot Alternative Compliance Path (EA Pilot ACP 143) was created in 2020 in recognition that most of the market was utilizing later versions of the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) than was recognized within the original LEED v4 energy performance ACP designed for NECB 2011.

The zEPI is an absolute scale for measuring commercial building energy performance; the scale is from 100 to 0, where 0 represents zero net energy. Different versions of NECB and ASHRAE 90.1 can be plotted on the zEPI scale and compared to each other, and each can be assigned a zEPI score for the “code clone” that can be used to calculate the points. This allows project teams an option to utilize later NECB versions that more closely align to their current local codes. The zEPI was originally created to recognize NECB 2015 and 2017; it also now recognizes NECB 2020.

The LEED v4 2024 Energy Update (applying to projects registering on or after March 1, 2024) required revisions to the zEPI to update the scoring. Those revisions were posted within LEED Pilot Credit Library and also included new allowances for alternatives for creating the code clone, as well as application to NECB 2020. Some new alternatives were also allowed with the documentation guidance section. These important allowances and alternatives, as well as the addition of the NECB 2020 code clone score, are now available to LEED v4 projects registered prior to the 2024 Energy Update (March 1, 2024).

Important reminder: As with all Pilot Credits and Pilot ACPs, project teams must register their intent to use the zEPI pilot ACP resource. It’s also recommended to register as early as possible to ensure they can be applied to your project. Pilot Credits/ACPs allow for testing of new approaches and are subject to close without notice.

For more information, see CAGBC’s zEPI pilot ACP resource

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