For the Optimize Energy Performance credit, what minimum standards must be met?

The correct answer is rooted in the requirement for projects seeking the Optimize Energy Performance credit to demonstrate a certain level of energy performance compared to established benchmarks. ASHRAE 90.1, widely recognized as a foundational standard for commercial building energy efficiency, sets technical requirements intended to reduce energy consumption in buildings effectively. By adhering to ASHRAE 90.1-2010 or 90.1-2013, a project can show compliance with industry-accepted practices in energy performance, which supports the goals of the LEED certification framework.

The other choices, while they reference important aspects of energy performance standards, do not directly provide the same level of recognition and focus as the ASHRAE standards. Local building energy codes may vary significantly by location and, although they must be adhered to, they may not always be as stringent or comprehensive as ASHRAE standards. Similarly, while the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) does establish guidelines for energy efficiency, it is also not as specific to the LEED context as ASHRAE 90.1 is. Finally, the LEED BD+C prerequisites relate more to foundational requirements for certification rather than specific credits, making them less relevant in the context of the Optimize Energy Performance