Being a contractor (GC), we are tasked with putting a bid together for LEED projects that include as a requirement the green power credit (some here in the US, others overseas). I am looking for a source to estimate these costs. After reading all the comments here and under version 2009, is it my understanding that the only way to find recent pricing information is to solicit quotes from companies?

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Rita Reiser

Director of Business Development, LEED Green Building Division

Renewable Choice Energy

LEEDuser Basic Member

0 thumbs up

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 14:59

Francis, Yes, that's correct. Because REC/green power rates are constantly changing, the best way to ensure that you include accurate and competitive pricing in your bids is to solicit a quote. The process is typically very quick and a quote can be provided to you within minutes with a few project details (LEED rating system, projected annual energy use or project square footage, approximate purchase time frame, etc.). Thanks!

Marcus Sheffer

LEED Fellow

7group / Energy Opportunities

LEEDuser Expert

4454 thumbs up

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 16:30

In order to do so you will need the energy modeling results or some estimate of the project's energy use. I know of no other way to get the pricing you seek.

Francis Hernández

Design Manager

Caddell Construction Co. (DE), LLC

LEEDuser Basic Member

2 thumbs up

Tue, 09/27/2016 - 20:05

Thank you both for your replies. We found the process of soliciting quotes very easy and streamlined. We used CBECS to estimate energy usage and this should be close enough for now. The problem we face, and hence have to pad the cost, is the time lapse between when we put together a bid and when we actually purchase the REC's. REC's purchase will depend on whether or not we win the award of the project, when the owner awards the project which can be 1 year or longer after bid, length of project which can be 2-4years for us. I concur with previous comments (v2009) that this credit is better suited as a design credit, with verification during construction.

Deborah Lucking

Director of Sustainability

Fentress Architects

LEEDuser Expert

224 thumbs up

Wed, 02/21/2018 - 23:12

I have a further question about when such purchases may be made. There was a reply to a similar question by Maria Porter (LEED NC 2009, Nov 2, 2017) that stated the purchase may be made as early as approval of the energy model. Does this hold true for LEED v4 as well? thanks!

Marcus Sheffer

LEED Fellow

7group / Energy Opportunities

LEEDuser Expert

4454 thumbs up

Wed, 02/21/2018 - 23:31

I think it is the same in v4 as it was before. If you are pursuing the energy modeling option (which like 99% of project do) then you must use this information for the green power/offset purchase. I think you have always had the option of waiting for the actual utility bills following the first year of operation and then making your purchase.

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