Biomass for process steam

I think process energy should be modeled the same, i.e. steam. But LEED allows for taking credit using renewable energy. I would imagine this is the same as if you were modeling PV generating electricity. Except you are using biomass to generate steam. However, since you need to purchase the biomass, the conservative way of doing it is to include the cost of that in your exceptional calc so that reviewer wont question this.

You can't claim cost savings just by fuel switching. (For example you can't claim savings by modeling the base with propane, but the proposed with cheaper oil.) Both the base and the proposed must use the same utility rates. Not all biomass is considered renewable, so the first step is to convince the reviewers that your fuel qualifies as renewable. If you can do that, I'd report the results including the cost of the fuel, then zero out the renewables and claim savings in Table 1.8 of the credit form. Other option is to consider following this ACP, and use a different metric than cost. http://www.usgbc.org/node/7489409?return=/pilotcredits/New-Construction/v2009 You can come to my session on Friday of Greenbuild to hear more about this ACP.