LEED v5 Decarbonization Consulting

With the release of LEED v5, the industry's focus has irrevocably shifted. Decarbonization is now the central goal, replacing the traditional reliance on energy cost as the ultimate performance metric.

At AECO, we specialize in guiding projects through these next-generation challenges. Our energy modeling services are specifically tailored to navigate the stringent requirements of LEED v5, ensuring our clients are not just compliant, but strategically positioned for success in a low-carbon future.

Planning for the Long Haul: Operational Carbon Projection

A cornerstone of LEED v5 is radical transparency regarding a project’s long-term environmental footprint. The new Operational Carbon Projection and Decarbonization Plan (EAp1) is a mandatory prerequisite designed to instill carbon literacy in every project team.

This requirement moves beyond predicting static annual energy use. It demands a comprehensive Business As Usual (BAU) projection of the project’s carbon emissions over a crucial 25-year period.

Grid Emissions

As the electrical grid decarbonizes, emissions from electricity usage are projected to decline significantly.

On-Site Emissions

Emissions from on-site combustion (natural gas, propane) remain constant, creating a long-term liability.

This projection allows owners to clearly visualize that avoiding on-site combustion is critical for reaching near-zero emissions by 2050.

A New Yardstick: Transitioning to Future Source Energy

Historically, energy modeling often relied on minimizing energy costs. LEED v5 corrects this by formalizing the use of Future Source Energy Metrics.

When applying the Performance Rating Method (PRM) or targeting points under Enhanced Energy Efficiency (EAc3), AECO utilizes this forward-looking metric. It replaces older cost-based calculations with an electric site-to-source energy conversion factor of 2.0 (in the U.S. context, adjusted for 2050 projections). This effectively weights electricity to reflect the energy lost during generation and transmission in a future, mostly decarbonized grid.

The Path to All-Electric: Electrification Feasibility

The shift away from carbon-intensive heating is now formalized through the Electrification (EAc1) credit. AECO specializes in assessing the Electrification Feasibility for your specific project type.

For Core and Shell (CS) Developments

We understand that developers cannot always control the final fit-out. In these cases, projects can earn credit through Electrification Readiness. This involves providing the necessary building infrastructure—such as oversized electrical panels and dedicated conduit pathways—to ensure future tenants have the capacity to install all-electric heat pump systems (capable of at least 1.8 COP) without retrofitting.

Grid Harmonization: Becoming a Resilient Partner

As electric vehicle adoption increases and buildings fully electrify, the demand on our power grids will rise significantly. LEED v5 anticipates this through the Grid Harmonization Analysis (EAc6) credit.

This analysis requires evaluating grid-interactive measures against current and forecasted grid conditions. Strategies include:

Energy Storage: Incorporating on-site batteries.
Smart Controls: Responding to utility Demand Response (DR) signals.
Load Shedding: Reducing loads during peak hours.

By harmonizing with the grid, your building evolves from a passive consumer into a resilient, active partner in the energy ecosystem.

Conclusion

LEED v5 is more than a rating system; it is a roadmap for the future of construction. AECO’s integrated expertise ensures that your project doesn't just chase points—it establishes a foundational plan for zero-carbon operation, marrying high efficiency with lasting environmental and economic benefits.

The Net-Zero Imperative:
Decarbonizing the Built Environment with LEED v5