For projects with District Energy Systems (DES) to comply with Fundamental Refrigerant Management, what must be true?

For projects utilizing District Energy Systems (DES), it is essential that all upstream and downstream equipment adhere to the Fundamental Refrigerant Management requirements to ensure comprehensive management of refrigerants throughout the entire system. This means that both the equipment generating refrigeration (upstream) and the equipment using that refrigeration (downstream) must comply with the established standards designed to minimize the impact on the environment.

This holistic approach is crucial because refrigerants can have significantly detrimental effects if released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and ozone depletion. By ensuring that both upstream and downstream components are included in the compliance measures, the project not only aligns with LEED certification goals but also promotes more sustainable operational practices overall.

The other options suggest either a limitation on which equipment must comply or an exemption for DES systems. However, comprehensive compliance is necessary for effective management of refrigerants in the context of a DES to align with LEED's environmental and sustainability objectives, making the option that includes all equipment the most appropriate.