Decreasing lighting power is a strategy that can be used to reduce the internal load of a building. Internal load is the amount of heat generated within a building by its occupants, equipment, and lighting1. Reducing lighting power can lower the internal heat gain and thus decrease the cooling demand and energy consumption of the building2. Other strategies to reduce internal load include using energy-efficient appliances, natural ventilation, daylighting, occupancy sensors, and shading devices3. References:
* 8.1: Internal Loads - Engineering LibreTexts
* Chapter 3: Design Loads for Residential Buildings - HUD User
* Internal Heat Gain - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

The Commissioning Authority (CxA) plays a key role in ensuring building systems meet the Owner's Project Requirements (OPR).
* The CxA must review the OPR to confirm that design and construction decisions align with the owner
's sustainability and performance goals.
* The CxA should be independent and cannot be part of the project's design or construction management team if the project is larger than 20,000 sq. ft.
* The CxA reports findings to the owner, not the architect.
* While experience is required, LEED does not specify that only one project is needed for eligibility.
(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

The Sustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Rainwater Management (A) would be affected by the slope analysis results. Slopes, especially those near water bodies, can significantly impact stormwater runoff volume and patterns. Managing runoff in sloped areas is crucial to minimize erosion, reduce pollutants, and protect nearby water bodies. This credit aims to reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by implementing effective rainwater management strategies based on site conditions. Other credits, like Environmental Site Assessment (B) or Sensitive Land Protection (C), don't focus on runoff management.

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the project team must conduct a waste stream audit to identify the top five recyclable waste streams generated by the building and its occupants. The audit must cover a representative time period of a minimum of 24 hours, and must account for variations in the type and quantity of waste generated by different building uses and operations. The project team must then provide dedicated areas for the collection and storage of these materials for recycling.
The project team must also provide dedicated areas for the collection and storage of batteries, mercury- containing lamps, and electronic waste, or demonstrate that a local program is in place to properly dispose of these materials.

When design changes occur during construction that impact energy efficiency measures, it is imperative to update the energy model to reflect these modifications. The LEED BD+C process requires that the energy model accurately represents the final design to ensure that the projected energy performance aligns with actual outcomes. Therefore, the project team must incorporate the changes into their energy model and assess the effect on the Optimize Energy Performance credit. This approach ensures that the project remains compliant with LEED requirements and that any potential impacts on energy performance are properly evaluated.