EA Credit 4: Enhanced Refrigerant Management
1 Point
Intent
Reduce ozone depletion and support early compliance with the
Montreal Protocol while minimizing direct
contributions to global warming.
Requirements
OPTION 1
Do not use refrigerants.
OR
OPTION 2Select refrigerants and HVAC&R that minimize or eliminate the
emission of compounds that contribute to
ozone depletion and global warming. The base building HVAC&R
equipment shall comply with the following
formula, which sets a maximum threshold for the combined
contributions to ozone depletion and global
warming potential:
LCGWP + LCODP x 105 ≤ 100
Where:
LCODP = [ODPr x (Lr x Life +Mr) x Rc]/Life
LCGWP = [GWPr x (Lr x Life +Mr) x Rc]/Life
LCODP: Lifecycle Ozone Depletion Potential (lbCFC11/Ton-Year)
LCGWP: Lifecycle Direct Global Warming Potential (lbCO2/Ton-Year)
GWPr: Global Warming Potential of Refrigerant (0 to 12,000
lbCO2/lbr)
ODPr: Ozone Depletion Potential of Refrigerant (0 to 0.2
lbCFC11/lbr)
Lr: Refrigerant Leakage Rate (0.5% to 2.0%; default of 2% unless
otherwise demonstrated)
Mr: End-of-life Refrigerant Loss (2% to 10%; default of 10% unless
otherwise demonstrated)
Rc: Refrigerant Charge (0.5 to 5.0 lbs of refrigerant per ton of
cooling capacity)
Life: Equipment Life (10 years; default based on equipment type,
unless otherwise demonstrated) For multiple types of equipment, a weighted average of all base
building level HVAC&R equipment shall be
applied using the following formula:
[ Σ (LCGWP + LCODP x 105) x Qunit ] / Qtotal ≤ 100
Where:
Qunit = Cooling capacity of an individual HVAC or refrigeration unit
(Tons)
Qtotal = Total cooling capacity of all HVAC or refrigeration Small HVAC units (defined as containing less than 0.5 lbs of
refrigerant), and other equipment such as standard
refrigerators, small water coolers, and any other cooling equipment
that contains less than 0.5 lbs of refrigerant,
are not considered part of the “base building” system and are not
subject to the requirements of this credit.
AND
Do not install fire suppression systems that contain ozone-depleting
substances (CFCs, 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 and refrigeration
systems for the refrigeration cycle that minimize
direct impact on ozone depletion and global warming. Select HVAC&R
equipment with reduced refrigerant
charge and increased equipment life. Maintain equipment to prevent
leakage of refrigerant to the atmosphere.
Utilize fire suppression systems that do not contain HCFCs or
Halons. | 
