Our team has a unique opportunity to utilize the project\'s roof snowmelt system during non-snowmelt sunny days to preheat domestic hot water. This heat recovery system would operate similar to a conventional solar thermal panel system minimizing consumption of fossil fuels. The copper roof, when not covered in snow, would absorb the solar energy, heating the coils, which we\'d then use to pre-heat domestic water. We are not aware of this being done before. In addition, we anticipate running calculations after construction to calculate energy savings data. Will the USGBC grant an Innovation and Design credit for this unique system? Also, will the USGBC grant Optimize Energy Performance and Renewable Energy credits if the system satisfies the credit requirements?
NOTE: This ruling has been overturned by an administrative EAc2.1 ruling dated 7/7/2006 which updates the definition of qualifying renewable energy. The use of solar thermal technology is a strategy that qualifies for energy savings under EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance. Innovation credits are not awarded if the strategy contributes to an existing credit, such as with this case. EAc2 (Renewable Energy) is based on renewable strategies which generate electricity. The LEED-NC v2.1 Reference Guide specifically states on page 155 that solar hot water heating is not applicable to EAc2. Applicable Internationally.