Sign a contract with the chosen green power provider. 

If you are using energy modeling, get a final estimate of the cost based on final model outputs. Remember that this credit is based on the quantity of electricity consumption (usually in kWh), not cost.

This credit requires only a few minutes to make phone calls, provide the size of the project and energy consumption, and get estimates. It is well worth the time and effort to determine the likely cost.  

Some projects choose to attempt this credit at the last minute and keep it as a “back-pocket” credit. For example, you may decide to go for this credit only if it helps you reach another level of LEED certification. A contract can be arranged at the last minute, and can even be submitted after the first construction review.

Green power is a competitive market with price variation. Obtain more than one estimate to find less-expensive options. 

Call several green power providers to get a preliminary estimate of the cost to buy green power for 35% of the assumed, actual or default electricity consumption. While you’re at it, also get an estimate for buying 70% green power and earning a point for exemplary performance or really go for it with 100%. Find green power providers on EPA’s Green Power Partnership website or the Green-e website. See the Resources section for links to their websites.

For LEED-CS projects, you need to determine the Core and Shell square footage (not the entire building square footage). This calculation is spelled out in the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) standards as well as in the sample calculations in this LEEDuser strategy page. If the BOMA standard calculations determine that the Core and Shell building square footage is less than 15%, you are required to use 15% in the calculation rather than the actual percentage. 

Determine electricity use (see the documentation toolkit for the Guidelines on Green Power Calculations document and follow the steps for the necessary calculations) based on one of the following options: 

The energy model completed for EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance, Option 1;
or, if not completing an energy model, assume a use 8 kilowatt-hours per square foot per year. 

Determine electricity use based on one of the following options: 

The energy model complete for EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance, Option 1; 
or, based on DOE’s CBECS database default values.

Continue to seek strategies that lower the building’s electrical energy use in order to subsequently reduce the cost of green power.