Zero Energy Performance Index (zEPI) Pilot ACP
The Zero Energy Performance Index (zEPI) Pilot Alternative Compliance Path (ACP) (EA pilot ACP 143) was developed specifically for the Canadian market. It provides a new approach to how energy performance is evaluated, adding flexibility, aligning with local energy codes, and better ensuring LEED buildings contribute meaningfully to Canada’s climate goals.
Applicable to LEED v4 and v4.1 projects, the ACP enables projects to use any version of NECB or ASHRAE 90.1 cited by the local authority, avoiding the need to perform additional energy modelling under a different standard or version. More importantly, the pilot ACP uses energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings rather than energy cost and GHG emissions savings, thus avoiding distortions that can be caused by differences in fuel costs. The ACP leverages the zEPI calculation methodology.
Taken together, energy consumption and GHG metrics help incentivize efficient, low-carbon designs and align LEED with Canadian market conditions and requirements.
Note: This video was created in 2020 and does not reflect the LEED v4 2024 Energy Update. However, the calculation methodology shown remains similar and may still be useful for understanding the zEPI pilot ACP approach.
Review the zEPI Pilot ACP
- For LEED v4 projects registered prior to the 2024 Energy Update (March 1, 2024), see CAGBC’s zEPI Pilot ACP (PDF), recently revised with new allowances and clarifications.
- For LEED v4 BD+C/ID+C projects registered on or after March 1, 2024 and so subject to the 2024 Energy Update, please see the revised zEPI EA Pilot ACP available in the LEED Pilot Credit Library.
- For LEED v4.1 BD+C/ID+C of any date of registration, may view either CAGBC’s zEPI Pilot ACP (PDF) or the identical ACP contained within the LEED Pilot Credit Library. The version in the PDF document has been updated to include the newest code clone score for NECB 2020 and a few clarifications in line with the online version.
CAGBC would like to thank its Technical Advisory Group and Steering Committee volunteers for their assistance in developing this ACP.