RECs for other forms of energy?

Hi Matthew! Energy usage from natural gas, purchased steam, fuel oil, or propane should be offset with Verified Emissions Reductions, or VERs- a direct carbon offset. There was a Credit Interpretation Ruling (CIR) that was answered by the USGBC on 1/7/2009 which clarifies this information. This ruling which applies to both LEED EB 2.0 and EB O&M states: In regards to offsets, with the release of programs like Green-e climate to complement Green-e energy, the USGBC agrees that Green power or REC purchases or the equivalent should only be used to offset electricity use, Scope 2 emissions. Scope 1 & 3 emissions from natural gas, purchased steam, fuel oil, or propane use should use carbon offsets, verified through a program like Green-e climate or equivalent. Please let me know if this answers your question! Please let me know if you'd like to discuss further! lmalone@renewablechoice.com