LEED v5 and Michigan’s New Energy Code: A Powerful Partnership for Sustainable Buildings
Changes are coming to the State of Michigan design and construction industry, with the new Commercial Energy Code - 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and LEED v5 leading the charge. New standards that AEC design teams and building owners need to prepare for will encompass building envelope, envelope commissioning, HVAC, electrical, and lighting, and more. With these changes set to take effect April 22, 2025, design teams, building owners, and developers must be prepared to meet new compliance thresholds but can also take advantage of opportunities for lower utility costs and requirements better aligning to certification standards, such as LEED v5.
Here’s a look at these new standards so you can feel better prepared for the changes ahead.
MI Commercial Energy Code Changes: IECC Adoption and ASHRAE
The State’s commercial energy code is comprised of two parts: the adopted version of IECC, and ASHRAE 90.1-2019. The IECC gives legal enforceability to the state, while ASHRAE 90.1 provides the technical details for energy-efficient design. The 2021 IECC establishes a new benchmark for energy efficiency in buildings, setting the stage for achievement of decarbonization goals, alignment with evolving climate change policies, as well as lower utility costs.
These are some of the ways the new benchmarks change the Michigan code:
Enhanced Building Envelope
Higher performance standards for insulation
Tighter standards for air leakage & increased performance criteria threshold.
Stricter standards for building envelope assemblies (U-values, R-values, etc.).
Building Envelope Commissioning: Validation of continuous air barriers (Air barriers can be validated by inspection or blower door testing). Air barrier design and performance verification requirements are for all buildings regardless of size (with few exceptions).
Improved HVAC and Lighting: More stringent requirements for the efficiency of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and a requirement for 100% LED lighting systems.
Electrification and Renewables: A major push towards building electrification and renewable energy readiness, including provisions for electric vehicle (EV) charging and on-site solar. (Most low-rise buildings will require a to plan to be solar-ready).
Lower Sq. Ft. Threshold for Systems Commissioning Requirements: Commissioning will now be required for smaller buildings, with the new threshold at 10,000 square feet (down from 50,000). This change ensures long-term performance improvements.
Prefer a quick overview on Michigan’s building code update? Watch the short video explainer:
LEED v5 and the Code: Synergy and Overlap
LEED v5 enters this changing landscape, complementing IECC 2021 by integrating stricter performance-based metrics and promoting electrification, and aligned with the solar-ready aspect of the IECC. The IECC compliments LEED by essentially providing the foundation for the pursuit of LEED v5. LEED builds upon this foundation by setting standards beyond energy efficiency, incorporating broader sustainability considerations and providing a framework for recognizing and rewarding exemplary projects. We’ll talk about that in our second blog post on this topic next month.
Here are some examples of LEED v5 integration with the code:
Energy Efficiency Alignment: LEED v5 projects will have to comply with AHSRAE 90.1-2019 at a minimum, which will soon be the State of Michigan’s energy standard.
Commissioning: Both LEED and the IECC emphasize the importance of commissioning to ensure buildings operate and are built as intended, maximizing energy savings and occupant comfort
Decarbonization: Both promote electrification and renewable energy readiness, enabling projects to transition away from fossil fuels and reduce their carbon footprint. LEED v5 will require an electrification and decarbonization plan for projects.
Carbon Reduction: This is a primary focus for LEED’s newest iteration, addressing both operational and embodied carbon through stricter operational performance metrics and whole-building life-cycle assessments (WBLCA).
Resilience: Designing buildings that can withstand and adapt to climate change impacts.
Equity: Promoting social equity through considerations like accessibility and community benefits.
Health: Prioritizing occupant health and well-being through enhanced indoor environmental quality (IEQ) requirements.
The State of Michigan Code update aligns with global sustainability goals and regulatory frameworks, ensuring that projects, whether pursuing certification or not, contribute meaningfully to climate mitigation and occupant well-being.
The Bottom Line: A Win-Win for Sustainability
By embracing both LEED v5 and IECC 2021, building professionals can create projects that not only meet code requirements but also achieve higher levels of performance, enhance occupant well-being, and contribute to a healthier planet. These shifts drive the AEC industry towards a future where buildings are both environmentally responsible and economically sound. With the code sure to change how we design and construct, preparing to meet LEED v5 is a smart and forward-thinking step to take. If you need help navigating the new design, construction, commissioning, or certification requirements, we’re here to help! Our team of building professionals is ready to turn these code changes into opportunities, helping you seamlessly integrate the new design requirements with your firm’s project goals and elevate your design standards.
