Default Emissions Factors & Carbon vs Electricity

1. yes that is correct

2. I think this is the referenced document - https://portfoliomanager.energystar.gov/pdf/reference/Emissions.pdf I would look at the required documentation and see what units are used. They can be converted so just make sure they are consistent.

Hi Tracy, 

Follow up your question, just remind you that according to the LEED v4 guidebook, if we pursued Option 1 in EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance, the project's annual energy consumption of carbon offset or green power should based on the energy modelling result rather than the Default Emission factors. 

Hi Marcus, 

In you opinion, If the project has been occupied for over 1 year thus actual electric consumption of tenant space is available,  can we use the actual electricity consumption to purchase the green power or carbon offset rather than the energy modelling result? 

Hi Eva, 

For your question to Marcus, I recently had the same question about actual energy use and asked LEED Coach for clarity. I got the following response:

"It is acceptable to document compliance based on actual energy usage, provided the project team can demonstrate that the project was fully occupied and operational for the full term of the REC contract. "

Hope that helps.

Hi Emily, that’s really helpful! Thanks for letting me know. 

Eva - yes I you should be able to use the actual data.

Hi,

We have a non US project trying to offset electricity consumption through carbon offsets instead of RECs.

The reference guide says "When calculating offsets, project teams must use the default emissions factors established by ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for the appropriate fuel types (Tables 3 and 4)"

We checked the ENERGY STAR portfolio manager emission factors, which Marcus has given above. But those factors are or US regions. How can we select appropriate factor when the project is out of US? Would it be ok to use national data where emission factor is available for country as kg/kWh? 

Thanks in advance.

Where is your project located?

Hi Marcus,

Our project is located in Sri Lanka.