Does the building need to be a warehouse? Can the PV system be in the parking lot in lieu of a rooftop? Please advise.
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Aaron Binkley
Director, Sustainability ProgramsDigital Realty
3 thumbs up
May 8, 2012 - 11:33 am
As noted in the overview, one intent of the credit is to optimize the use of an underutilized resource (i.e large rooftops) to support distributed generation. Other developed areas of a site such as a parking lot (as well as non-warehouse space types) can therefore also qualify, so long as the other criteria are still met. Undeveloped land on the site should not be utilized for this credit.
Maria Vasapollo
10 thumbs up
May 8, 2012 - 5:28 pm
Thanks Aaron,
Another thing I just noticed is that it may conflict with EBOM EA credit 4, which is a 6 pointer that we are pursuing. Do you think that's "double dipping" if we do both?
Thanks
Aaron Binkley
Director, Sustainability ProgramsDigital Realty
3 thumbs up
May 9, 2012 - 12:33 pm
Thanks for your question. EBOM EAc4 is for clean energy consumed by the project: "...for using renewable energy either through the purchase of green power (RECs and carbon offsets), the use of onsite renewable systems, or a combination of the two."
This pilot credit, by contrast, specifically targets situations where supplying clean energy to the project is not feasible. Instead it acknowledges a benefit to the environment by supporting larger-scale clean energy delivered 'wholesale' directly and exclusively to the grid even though there is not a direct benefit to the individual project.
The LEED project cannot claim the "clean" attributes of the energy from the pilot credit's renewable energy system. So in short, no double-dipping allowed!
Maria Vasapollo
10 thumbs up
May 9, 2012 - 1:11 pm
Aaron,
You've helped me so much with understanding the subtle differerence between the pilot and the EAc4. Since I know our project uses energy from the PV's I will go for EAc4 and not PC56. You've been a big help, thanks for your time.
Maria
Dhanujie Jayapala
Sustainability ExecutiveMAS Active Trading Pvt Ltd
7 thumbs up
June 20, 2012 - 1:03 am
Dear Aaron,
We are also planning to go for large PV system over 500 kWp.
But due to the risk of leaks and ease of maintenance it might move to a free area of the project boundary.
We are not sure whether we can get it connect to the grid as a Net metering due to the legislation issues of our country.
In that case we might get registered as an Independent Power Producer which will make it unable us to claim the credit for On site renewable energy under NC 2009.
In that case would we be getting the benefit from this credit?
Aaron Binkley
Director, Sustainability ProgramsDigital Realty
3 thumbs up
June 20, 2012 - 10:48 am
I don't know your location or the net metering regulations there, but a system designated as an IPP can qualify for this credit. In that case, the clean power attributes wouldn't be usable by the LEED project, in order to avoid double-counting. As for it being in an area other than the roof, other developed areas of a site such as a parking lot can also qualify so long as the other criteria are still met. Undeveloped land on the site should not be utilized for this credit.