A local college (and long-time USGBC enthusiast) has asked me whether I thought it feasible to obtain an ID credit for the purchase of carbon offset for construction vehicles for an upcoming large new construction project. The interest arises from the following: A local non-profit Sustainability action group has a program "The Finger Lakes Climate Fund, "...which sells third-party-certified (NYSERDA) carbon offsets, with the proceeds funding energy-efficiency and renewable-energy projects in low-income household". I imagine that the hope is for a synergy in which the interests of one group might lead them to take a course of action that benefits another group. To me this has the right sound of an ID credit, but usually the USGBC has a fairly robust or broad-based requirement associated with earning an ID credit. Any thoughts or similar experiences out there?
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Samantha Harrell
LEED Project Reviewer certificate holder115 thumbs up
April 2, 2012 - 1:57 pm
Hi Andrew,
Refer to LEED Interpretations 5652 and 2190. LI 2190 has been approved for NC 2009 projects, while 5652 has not yet been considered for NC 2009. LI 2190 states: "The applicant submitted a CIR proposing an innovation and design credit in which projects would offset the emissions associated with tenant space operations. While this proposal does demonstrate environmental benefits, it cannot be approved at this time due to the complexities surrounding carbon accounting. USGBC is performing research in this area and will update this CIR ruling as necessary."