Credit Denied -- Trying to use the v4.0 Core & Shell 15% energy rule in v4.1 Renewable Energy

LEED v4.1 published requirements relevant to energy usage have remained consistent since original publication (referencing total building energy use for all BD+C rating system adaptations, including Core and Shell). The LEED v4.1 EAc Renewable Energy rating system language, and the LEED v4.1 BD+C Guide specifically indicate the basis for determination of the energy use to be used in the credit calculation: -- Rating system language:

Points are awarded according to Table 1, based on the percentage of total site energy use. Renewable electricity and EAC procurement can only be applied to project electricity use or district energy use.

Captured bio-methane can only be applied to project fuel use.

v4.1 BD+C Guide, EAc Renewable Energy, Further Explanation:

Total Site Energy Use

Projects complying with EA prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance through the Normative Appendix G Performance Rating Method should use the modeled total site energy value for credit calculations. Projects complying with EA prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance through a prescriptive path should use the most recent building Energy Use Intensity by Property Type data from the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Technical Reference to calculate total site energy for credit calculations.

-- The LEED v4.1 EAc Renewable Energy credit combines v4 EAc Renewable Energy Production with v4 EAc Green Power and Carbon Offsets. Note that the v4.1 credit name (EAc Renewable Energy), and credit requirements (referencing total building energy use) are more closely aligned with its v4 namesake (EAc Renewable Energy Production) than with v4 EAc Green Power and Carbon Offsets. ------ If there are ambiguities with credit requirements, project teams are encouraged to seek clarification through GBCI Contact Us, LEED Coach, or similar. Note that USGBC / GBCI customer service responses have consistently referenced the published LEED v4.1 rating system requirements noted above. --------- LEED v4 CS projects always have the option of reverting to LEED v4 Green Power and Carbon Offsets, with rating system language stating that "A core and shell building’s energy is defined as the energy usage of the core and shell floor area as defined by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) standards, but not less than 15% of the project’s floor area."  However, as noted above, this language is not referenced in any version of the LEED v4.1 EAc Renewable Energy credit.