Knowledgebase
Which LEED v4 and v4.1 credits does DesignBuilder calculate?
Posted by Andy Tindale on 01-Mar-24 02:59 PM

The LEED v4 and v4.1 credits DesignBuilder can calculate are:

Under Integrative Process (IP):

Develop an extremely simple or “simple box”, energy model with an assumed building form to inform the project team about the distribution of loads by energy consumption end use.

A simple box energy modeling is a preliminary building model used to analyze the building’s energy loads.

Aspects to consider include the following:

  • Site conditions: landscape solar shading, exterior lighting, feasibility for natural ventilation and adjacent site conditions.
  • Massing and orientation: number of floors, building footprint, configuration and solar orientation.
  • Building envelope attributes: wall and roof insulation, thermal mass, window size and orientation, exterior shading devices and window performance (U-values, solar heat gain coefficient, visible light transmittance, etc.).
  • Lighting levels: lighting power density, lighting needs in workspaces, reflectance values for ceiling and wall surfaces, high-efficiency lighting fixtures and controls, and daylighting.
  • Thermal comfort ranges: temperature set points and thermal comfort parameters.
  • Plug and process loads: equipment and purchasing policies, other programmatic solutions, and layout options.
  • Programmatic and operational parameters: hours of operation, space allotment per person, shared program spaces and teleworking policies.

Project teams must conduct preliminary modeling to assess at least two optional strategies for each of the above seven aspects.

Under Energy & Atmosphere (EA):

- Minimum Energy Performance prerequisite 2 (required)

- Optimize Energy Performance credit 1

- On-site Renewable Energy credit 2

- Green Power and Carbon Offset details credit 6

Note: In LEED V4.1 the On-site Renewable Energy and Green Power and Carbon Offset details credits are replaced by the Renewable Energy credit.

Under Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ):

- Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance prerequisite 1 (required)

- Increased Ventilation EQ credit 2

- Thermal Comfort Option 1 (ASHRAE Standard 55-2010) and Option 2 (ISO and CEN Standards)

- Daylight: Daylighting BD+C: New Construction, Options 1 (sDA and ASE) and 2 (Illuminance)