Curious if anyone has submitted this strategy, successfully or not, or has any other insight - I took over this project after construction documentation was finished so I'm not sure what the thinking behind it was. Basically the municipal utility for the city the project is in sources its power from a generation company whose portfolio is about 80% (by kwh) renewables. The project submitted a letter from the utility verifying that number.
The review comments are asking for a two-year contract and verification of green-e equivalency. The contract requirement doesn't really seem applicable as there's no contract per se for the project to use the local power grid. And I'm not sure Green-e equivalency applies to a generation company, as opposed to an entity selling RECs.
So I'm thinking either 1) this strategy is a no-go in the first place, but the reviewer did not comment as such or 2) this is an option, but good luck documenting it. It's one of those things I swear I've come across before in my LEED experience, but can't find in writing anywhere. Worth looking into further, or just tell the owner it's not going to happen?
Allison Smith
Sustainable Design LeaderHKS, Inc.
42 thumbs up
June 5, 2019 - 7:46 pm
I might be too late, but a few thoughts that might be useful for others and maybe an update from you?
* The LEED reference guide says for "a state with a closed electricity market" where the utility does not offer a 2-year enrollment option, then you can submit a 2-year letter of commitment. I agree, this seems silly for a project in a closed market where the green power is a part of everyone's mix and not sold separately.
* I don't know if a green-e equivalency applies to generation companies. I would try to connect with USGBC for more guidance.
* If you need the credits, then you could get a quote for RECs. Depending on your project, they may be surprisingly cheap and be more expedient.
However, I expect you wrapped up this project long ago!
Emily Purcell
Sustainable Design LeadCannonDesign
LEEDuser Expert
371 thumbs up
June 6, 2019 - 9:41 am
Thanks for the insights! We did end up getting a "no" on the whole approach from GBCI via email. Bummer for this project, but it's about what I expected - i just wish the original review comment had said as much. Luckily, we had everything awarded in the final for exactly 80 points, so never needed to purchase RECs. The owner was understandably reluctant to look at that option!
Allison Smith
Sustainable Design LeaderHKS, Inc.
42 thumbs up
June 6, 2019 - 10:31 am
Congrats!