The credit now offers a broader approach to turning buildings into utility resources. The demand response (DR) compliance paths that were available under v4 have been retained. But there is a new option for load flexibility and management strategies, which is about “load shaping” relative to grid constraints. Teams pursuing this new option will have to become aware of what the grid is doing and encourage projects to use storage or demand response to adjust to those grid conditions.

The familiar demand response options are still available in v4.1. Projects that participate in an existing DR program can achieve two points. However, even buildings that can’t currently participate in a DR program can still earn a point for providing infrastructure that will allow the building to take advantage of a future DR program.

Buildings with access to an existing DR program are most likely to benefit financially from pursuing this type of strategy, due to the high cost of electricity in these markets. Also, providers typically provide financial incentives beyond any reduction in peak demand charges to encourage buildings to participate.

Keep in mind that the credit includes a requirement to reduce demand by 10% (of annual on-peak demand) during a response event, regardless of whether a DR program is available or not, so design your building systems and DR strategies accordingly.

What’s New in LEED v4.1

• The credit name has changed.
• A new load flexibility and management strategies option has been added to the credit and offers up to two points.
• Compliance with the DR requirement is now calculated using the project’s annual on-peak electricity demand, instead of the estimated peak electricity demand.
• At least one full test of the DR plan must be performed for projects that participate in a DR program.
• The building systems manual must include information about the DR program, installed technologies, and load flexibility and management strategies, depending on which case is pursued.

Should I upgrade?

Teams that are interested in the new load flexibility and management strategies option should definitely upgrade.