Net Zero Building

Yes. This situation is addressed in LEED Interpretation #10219.

http://www.usgbc.org/leed-interpretations?clearsmartf=true&keys=10219

Hi Lisa, can I ask what ended up happening in your situation?  I am in a similar case and still a little unclear of the LEED interpretation. Is it saying that if i can't show the project meeting net zero for 2-years post occupancy, then the project must purchase 35% of their electricity usage? Is it all or nothing - if you can't prove you are meeting net zero then you must purchase the full 35% as the credit originally requires?  

It is not 35% or 70% of the total usage. It is 35% or 70% of the power which has not been offset by renewables. This is what the credit would require in all cases.

Ok, thank you Marcus. That was thinking, but I became so confused with how to approach the zero energy situation and then furthermore after reading the interpretation. Thanks much!

Ok, one more question, if using actual electricity utility consumption data, LEEDuser provides the following calculation:

Total Required Green Power Quantity = Actual electricity consumption (kWh)  X  50%   X   2 years. 100% for exemplary performance.

What is the rationale behind using 50% instead of the design case usage 35%.

My guess is that is a typo. It should be 35% for NC projects.

Thanks, Courtney and Marcus! I fixed the error. Sorry for the confusion.