What guidance does ASHRAE provide for LEED certification?

ASHRAE 90.1 is pivotal in establishing minimum energy performance standards that are critical for achieving LEED certification in the energy and atmosphere category. This standard provides benchmarks for energy efficiency in building design and operation, which directly supports the LEED framework's emphasis on energy performance improvements. Most notably, ASHRAE 90.1 is regularly referenced in various LEED rating systems, as it outlines requirements for various building systems, including lighting, HVAC, and envelope performance, enabling professionals to assess and improve energy use within their projects effectively.

While other ASHRAE standards also play important roles in different aspects of building performance—such as indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and guidelines for high-performance green buildings—they do not specifically address energy performance to the same extent as ASHRAE 90.1. Therefore, ASHRAE 90.1's focus on energy efficiency makes it the most relevant guidance for LEED certification among the options provided.