Hi, we have a LEED 2009 registered Core and Shell project in the Philippines which utilizes district cooling. We are to pursue EAc6: Green Power by purchasing RECs, and calculate annual electricity consumption based on compliance path 1 – Design Energy Cost. In the case where energy comes from district cooling and electricity, do we also include in the calculation of 35% of building electricity the district cooling Mbtu/yr consumption (by converting Mbtu to kWh)? Or do we only extract 35% of building electricity from the annual kWh consumption excluding Mbtu consumption from the district cooling?

We checked the LEED guidance for projects with district cooling – Treatment of District or Campus Thermal Energy in LEED v2 and LEED 2009 – Design & Construction, 13 August 2010. However, it only provides guidance for projects pursuing EAc6 using the first and second approach for implementation where green power is being utilized in the building.