Can I pursue this credit if I am using one of the prescriptive compliance paths for EAp2/EAc1?
Yes. You can use the CBECS data as explained in the LEED Reference Guide or use the actual energy data from the facility.
Because of how our onsite PV system was financed through the utility, the project is selling the RECs associated with its solar energy production, even though we own the PV array and its power. Is there any way we can earn EAc2?
Yes, as discussed in the LEED Reference Guide and reinforced by LEED Interpretation #10161 made on 04/01/2012, you can buy RECs for your project to make up for RECs for 100% of what you want to claim for EAc2. You may not apply these REC purchases toward EAc6: Green Power.
We have a PV array installed on our campus, under the same ownership, but not on the building or within the LEED project boundary. Can we count that toward EAc2?
Yes. Provide a letter from the owner allocating some or all of the solar power to this project. Make sure that the solar power allocated to the project is not already allocated to another LEED project, and won't be in the future. Also, be sure that the owner retains ownership of the power and the RECs being generated.
Can I include process water savings in order to earn an Exemplary Performance point?
Yes—refer to LEED Interpretation #5819, issued 8/31/2004 and modified 4/1/13 to apply to NC-v2.2 and NC-v2009 projects. Quoting the relevant text from LI #5819: “A whole building approach to process water must be used (including washing machines, dish washers, drinking fountains, cooling towers, etc.) The project must demonstrate a process water savings that is equal to or greater than 10% of the regulated water usage as calculated in WEc3.
Are shower duration controls an acceptable water-saving strategy?
LEED assumes a baseline of 300 seconds for a shower, and LEEDuser has heard of review comments rejecting controls that would shorten this duration for the design case. A CIR or LEED Interpretation would likely be needed to make a case.
Our project is a factory with historically a 95% male workforce. The restroom design accounts for this. Can I argue that the male/female gender ratio is different than 50/50?
GBCI provides very little leeway for non-standard gender ratios, even in a case just like you describe. Even a 10% bump toward women to account for possible future trends was not deemed sufficient. GBCI is only granting exceptions if a nonstandard gender ratio can be verified for the lifespan of the building.
Where can I find a clear meaning of "public" and "private" as relevant to lavatory faucets?
Private use applies to plumbing fixtures in residences, apartments, and dormitories, to private (non-public) bathrooms in transient lodging facilities (hotels and motels), and to private bathrooms in hospitals and nursing facilities. Any fixtures that are not in one of those more residential-focused situations are considered to be public fixtures.
We are having trouble finding EPAct-compliant fixtures. Is that a problem?
Not for individual fixtures. You only have to meet the LEED requirements for your fixtures as a group.
Our project does not have any eligible water fixtures in the project boundary. Can we comply with WEp1?
Yes, per LEED Interpretation #10214: "A project without eligible water fixtures in the LEED-NC project boundary is exempt from WEp1. Should such a project wish to pursue points under WE Credit 3, they may do so by evaluating WEc3 performance based upon all of the fixtures that are necessary to meet the needs of the project occupants, even if they are located outside the project boundary."
Can I use a nonpotable water source to contribute to WEp1 compliance?
Yes. Although the focus is water efficiency of the installed fixtures, onsite sources of nonpotable water such as captured rainwater, graywater, air conditioner condensate, cooling tower bleed off water, etc., can be applied via an alternative compliance path. Refer to the Water Use Reduction Additional Guidance document for further information.