By which phase should you establish the energy performance targets?

LEED v4 emphasizes the integrative process and early goal-setting for optimal performance outcomes. Specifically, under the Integrative Process credit and EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, energy performance targets should be established during the programming phase:

“Establishing energy performance targets must occur during programming—before schematic design—to inform key decisions like massing, orientation, and system sizing.”

“Beginning in discovery and continuing throughout the design phases, identify and use opportunities to achieve synergies across disciplines and the building’s energy and water-related systems.”

The programming phase is when the Owner's Project Requirements (OPR) are defined, which guide energy goals, sustainability objectives, and user expectations.

Option A (Schematic Design) is too late to set foundational goals; it's used to explore options, not establish them.

Option B (Contract Administration) and C (Construction Documents) are implementation stages where design is largely finalized.

Correct phase: D. Programming, as this ensures energy targets are embedded from the beginning.