Pre-Design

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• If your project is using an existing HVAC system, investigate the type of refrigerant being used. If CFCs are being used, discuss equipment or conversion options with the building manager and owner. 

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• If HCFCs are being used, find out which type, understand the implications of using that refrigerant over the long term and if using more environmentally benign alternatives is possible. Phasing out HCFCs is not covered by EAp3, but it will help in achieving EAc4: Enhanced Refrigerant Management, which is often worth pursuing.     

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• If your project is purchasing new HVAC&R equipment, you'll automatically meet this prerequisite. The Montreal Protocol treaty mandated a complete phase out of CFC-based refrigerants by 1995, and HCFCs by 2030 in developed countries. As a result, compliant, environmentally preferable refrigerants are the only option available for new systems. 

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• This prerequisite applies to all space conditioning and refrigeration systems included in the LEED scope of work, including:

  • chillers;
  • unitary HVAC equipment (split and packaged);
  • room and window air-conditioners;
  • computer, data center, and telecom room-cooling units;
  • and commercial refrigeration equipment.

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• The prerequisite does not, however, apply to small units and other types of equipment, such as refrigerators and small water coolers that contain less than 0.5 pounds of refrigerant. 

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• For existing buildings, equipment installed before 1995 potentially contains CFCs. Check the specifications on the manufacturer’s website to be sure existing equipment does not contain CFCs. 

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• If existing equipment uses CFCs and will be retained, prepare a phase-out plan for conversion to an appropriate CFC-free refrigerant or a plan for equipment replacement. 

  • Conversion: Your conversion plan should include specifications for the current system, with current and proposed refrigerant types and a firm timetable for refrigerant replacement. The plan should be developed by your mechanical engineer in collaboration with the tenant or owner, printed on official letterhead, and signed by the appropriate facilities or operations manager. 
  • Replacement: Your replacement plan should include specifications for the new system and a firm timetable for system replacement, as well as designation of your proposed system and preferred, system-specific refrigerant. 

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• If your building is connected to a district cooling system, the chillers in that system, even if outside your project's scope or control, should be CFC-free. If they are not, commit to a plan for phase-out of the refrigerant or replacement of the system equipment within five years of project completion.

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• If your project is connected to a district cooling system and you want to show that a CFC phase-out is not economically feasible, engage a qualified, independent third party to prepare an analysis demonstrating that both conversion and replacement will have a net ten-year cost. This is determined by a simple payback calculation that subtracts the ten-year cost savings (from energy and maintenance savings) from the cost of the system replacement or conversion. If the number is zero or negative, this represents a cost after the ten-year period and the system will be considered not economically feasible.

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• If existing systems with CFCs need to be phased out, there could be a considerable first cost in converting existing systems or purchasing new equipment. However, your first cost will almost always be justified by longer-term energy and maintenance cost savings.