EA Credit 4: Enhanced Refrigerant Management
Intent
To reduce ozone depletion and support early compliance with the Montreal Protocol while minimizing direct contributions to climate change.
Requirements
Option 1
Do not use refrigerants.
OR
Option 2
Select refrigerants and heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) equipment that minimize or eliminate the emission of compounds that contribute to ozone depletion and climate change. The base building HVAC&R equipment must comply with the following formula, which sets a maximum threshold for the combined contributions to ozone depletion and global warming potential:
For multiple types of equipment, a weighted average of all base building HVAC&R equipment must be calculated using the following formula:
Small HVAC units (defined as containing less than 0.5 pounds of refrigerant) and other equipment, such as standard refrigerators, small water coolers and any other cooling equipment that contains less than 0.5 pounds of refrigerant, are not considered part of the base building system and are not subject to the requirements of this credit.
Do not operate or install fire suppression systems that contain ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) or halons.
Potential technologies & Strategies
Design and operate the facility without mechanical cooling and refrigeration equipment. Where mechanical cooling is used, utilize base building HVAC&R systems for the refrigeration cycle that minimize direct impact on ozone depletion and global climate change. Select HVAC&R equipment with reduced refrigerant charge and increased equipment life. Maintain equipment to prevent leakage of refrigerant to the atmosphere. Use fire suppression systems that do not contain HCFCs or halons.
FBK Solutions
The refrigerant impact calculation indicates that the total refrigerant impact of the LEED project is 9.9 per kW, which is less than the maximum allowable value of 13.