Hello!
Is there are timeframe that a green power purchase must be made, per the LEED Reference Guide or other rating system requirements? I thought I had come across a timeframe like "within 12 months of substantial completion" (or something similar), but cannot find anything about when the actual purchase should be made.
Our project is currently about 14 months away from substantial completion but the team would like to make the Green Power purchase now as to lock in the rates (that have been so volatile lately!).
Any insight is appreciated. Thank you!
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5909 thumbs up
April 23, 2021 - 1:52 pm
Technically I think that the purchase timeframe should cover actual operations so it should initially be made around the time of occupancy. Green power purchases previously engaged would not count.
Annalise Dum
Vice President, SustainabilityJLL
2 thumbs up
April 23, 2021 - 4:25 pm
Thanks for the prompt reply Marcus! Is this your interpretation or is there written guidance somewhere you are referencing?
Your answer makes sense to me, but I wonder what is really the difference between purchasing now and then if the total coverage would be the same. We made a purchase a couple of months prior to occupancy for another project -- I look forward to seeing if we receive any comments during Construction Review from the LEED Reviewer.
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5909 thumbs up
April 25, 2021 - 7:30 pm
It is my understanding as a LEED Reviewer. I am not aware that it is written anywhere. A couple of months should be fine, over a year feels like it is stretching it too far.