How can a project demonstrate compliance with EAc3: Energy Improvement?

Demonstrating compliance with EAc3: Energy Improvement involves showing a specified percentage improvement in energy performance compared to a baseline. This requirement encourages projects to implement more energy-efficient strategies and designs, ultimately lowering energy consumption relative to a defined reference point.

Achieving a certain percentage improvement is a tangible metric that can be calculated using energy modeling or actual energy consumption data, providing a clear and quantifiable means to verify compliance with the Energy & Atmosphere credit. This focus on performance improvement aligns with LEED's goal of promoting sustainable energy use and reducing the overall environmental impact of buildings.

While reducing operational costs, using renewable energy sources, and completing energy audits are all beneficial practices and contribute to overall project sustainability and efficiency, they do not specifically meet the criteria for EAc3, which is strictly focused on quantifying energy performance improvements.