The credit requirements state: Achieve a HERS index rating at or below the HERS index target (or USGBC-approved equivalent for projects outside the U.S.) or meet the requirements of the ENERGY STAR for Homes version 3 Prescriptive Pathway, which includes meeting or exceeding all components of the ENERGY STAR Reference Design.
Please take a look at LI 10438: https://www.usgbc.org/leedaddenda/10438. It gives very helpful information regarding projects in mild climates that do not install mechanical heating and cooling and how they pursue the prescriptive pathway. Otherwise, projects must pursue the performance pathway.
Projects with major energy users not included in the HERS Index, including pools, spas, heated driveways, and heated garages, or other major energy users not included in the HERS index must use the LEED Energy Budget pathway of EA credit Annual Energy Use. Therefore, a performance pathway is required for those types of projects.