The buildings best positioned to meet this credit are those whose utility or service provider has a demand-reduction program in place, and that have large systems that can be turned off during a demand-response event.

Buildings located in markets with an existing demand-response program are also the ones that will be most likely to benefit financially from pursuing this type of strategy, due to the high cost of electricity in these markets. Also, providers typically offer financial incentives beyond any reduction in peak-demand charges to encourage buildings to participate.

However, keep in mind that even when an existing demand-response program is available, the LEED requirement to reduce demand by 10% during a response event could be a barrier to your project meeting the credit.

Other buildings that may be a good fit for the credit are those that have existing load-shifting strategies in place, such as hot or chilled water storage.

If your building doesn’t fit into one of the scenarios above, this credit probably won’t be feasible.

What’s New in LEED v4.1

• The credit name has been changed from Demand Response to Grid Harmonization.
• Each compliance path is now worth one point.
• Additional details have been added to Case 1 for the on-peak demand period.
• Minor clarifying edits have been made to Case 2.
• Examples of grid harmonization technologies have been added to Case 3

Should I upgrade?

Double-check the number of points available for the compliance option you’re planning to pursue. Each case is worth one point under v4.1, which differs from v4. Other than point values, not much else has changed.