Off-site renewables calculated in Optimized Energy Performance in LEED v4

Yes under certain conditions. You named two of them. I believe that you must still retain or replace the sRECs as well.

Hi All,

I have a project that meets the criteria for renewables noted above. Specifically, we have a large PV system, on our site with a ten-year lease, and all energy generated is dedicated to the local grid. However, a portion of the output (~30%) is specifically allocated to this project with the remainder distributed to the local grid. The LEED Reviewer is only allowing that percentage allocated to the project to be applied to this credit (i.e. not 100%). Here is the actual language provided: "Credit may only be claimed for the portion of the renewable energy system that is utilized by the project. Credit may not be claimed for renewable energy that is allocated to other projects." 

Please let me know if you think this is a misinterpretation, or am I missing something. It seemed from the discussion above, and other LEED literature, that all energy could be applied to the Optimize Energy Credit.

Many thanks!

The reviewer is correct. You cannot apply renewable energy to your project that is contractually allocated to other projects.

Hi,

I am working on v4 project NC BD+C and, there is on site PV system which is dedicated to the project. Without considering solar energy generation, the project is achieving 41.6% savings and with solar the calcutaor is showing 77% saving. We are also pursuing renewable energy credit so can we claim for 18 points under optimize energy performance for more than 50% saving. I will appreciate if someone can answer me ASAP. 

Yes. You are also eligible for an exemplary performance innovation credit.

Hi Marcs,

Thank you for your response. So, reconfirming, we can get ALL 18 pts?

Yes you get all 18 points if your savings is over 50% after the final review.

Thank you.

According to the Reference Guide, the project Owner must retain control of the RECs, and that is often worded as “retain environmental benefits” or something like that. However, on the project referenced below, the lease agreement specifically states that the project Owner retains all environmental benefits, clearly states a 10-year lease, and that all power is sent to the local grid. In a separate contract clause, the leaseholder of the PV system (a local utility) has agreed to offset 29% of the site electricity bill (on paper) as renewable energy as part of the utility billing accounting structure (nothing to do with the 3 LEED criteria). The project Owner still has rights to all the RECs (i.e. the utility is not selling RECs, it is all going to the local grid). Still, the LEED reviewer was adamant that I can only allocate the 29% to this project. I wish I had not mentioned the 29% part as it is purely an accounting agreement between the utility and the project owner. All three of the criteria stated apply to this project yet only a portion of the PV system output was allowed. It would be great to hear thoughts on this matter, as the wording of this credit seems to be open for interpretation. By the way, it is a 1.33 MW PV system (big).

They would need to retain the RECs and agree to buy 100% of the power as well. What counts for LEED is almost always what is agreed to on paper, it is frequently an accounting exercise. It is the flow of the actual electrons that doesn't really matter as evidenced by the fact that the electrons flow into the grid and not the project. Not mentioning the contractual arrangement in this case would have been unethical IMO.

Thanks, Marcus. I appreciate your insight, I think I am coming around to understanding these requirements.