Hello,
Our project is following alternative compliance path EApc95 to document EA Prerequisite Miniumum Energy Performance and EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance, using the GHG emissions factors as determined by the regional average within ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Technical Reference: Greenhouse Gas Emissions. These regional factors differ significantly from the default emission factors listed within the EA Credit Green Power and Carbon Offset section of the Reference Guide and LEEDOnline form.
Wondering if anyone has tried (and succeeded) purchasing offsets using the regional factors as opposed to the defaults to maintain consistency within the LEED submission? And if so, what documentation was provided?
Of note: regional factors are favourable in our case because of the cleaner grid mix.
Thank you!
Tyler Thumma
7GroupLEEDuser Expert
51 thumbs up
January 14, 2022 - 2:36 pm
The reference guide states that "project teams must use the default emissions factors established by ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for the appropriate fuel types", which are the emissions factors built into the form calculations. However, I would think you could make an argument for regional factors to be used, since they are still established by ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. I would recommend submitting a formal inquiry to GBCI.