Explanation
The correct answer isA. Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance. This is because:
* Increasing the window-to-wall ratio (WWR) would reduce the solar heat gain and the cooling load of the building, which are two of the main factors that affect the energy performance of a building12.
* The WWR is defined as the ratio of the area of windows to the area of external walls in a building3.The
* higher the WWR, the more natural light and ventilation can be achieved, which can improve the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and reduce the need for artificial lighting and mechanical systems4.
* The LEED AP BD+C V4 credit for IEQ requires that buildings have a minimum WWR of 15% for south-facing walls and 20% for north-facing walls5.However, this minimum WWR may not be sufficient to achieve optimal IEQ in hot regions, where high solar radiation and humidity levels create high cooling demand6. Therefore, increasing the WWR beyond these minimum values can help achieve better IEQ by reducing both solar heat gain and cooling load.
* The other prerequisites are not impacted by increasing the WWR.Building-level energy metering is a prerequisite that requires measuring and reporting energy use at individual building units or zones5.Fundamental refrigerant management is a prerequisite that requires ensuring proper handling, storage, use, recovery, and disposal of refrigerants used in cooling systems5.Fundamental commissioning and verification is a prerequisite that requires ensuring that all commissioning activities are documented and verified according to LEED standards5.
References:1: Window-to-wall Ratio and Energy Efficiency: Finding the Perfect Fit2: Impact of Window to Wall Ratio on Energy Loads in Hot Regions: A Study of Building Energy Performance3: Determination of Optimum Window to External Wall Ratio for Offices in a Tropical Climate4: Parametric Optimization of Window-to-Wall Ratio for Passive Buildings in Hot Regions5: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S.Green Building Council6: Effect of building shape, orientation, window to wall ratios and zones on energy efficiency and thermal comfort of naturally ventilated houses in tropical climate