If your green power provider does not supply Green-e accredited energy, it must have an equivalent accreditation. To qualify as an equivalent accreditation, a program must meet the requirements for renewable resources as detailed by Green-e, and the supplier must have undergone an annual third-party verification process equivalent to the Green-e process. You might want to take this route if your utility provider can provide the best rate.

If the owner is a corporation or a school district with a portfolio of multiple buildings, consider purchasing green power through a bulk agreement and allocating it to different projects. You will need to avoid “double-dipping,” where more than one project or tenant space uses the same green power allotment. 

The amount of green power that you need to purchase for the credit is based on the quantity of electricity consumed, not the cost of the electricity. If your project is pursuing LEEDuser strategy on step-by-step green power calculations.

Many projects see this credit as one for which you pay but don’t receive a tangible benefit. However, nonrenewable electricity production is a huge contributor to pollution and global climate change, and buying green power supports the development of renewable energy facilities. 

This is one LEED credit that you can do at the last minute. However, if you are renting or selling space in your building, you may want to use the purchase of green power as a marketing tool and will not want to wait until the last minute to make the purchase.

Most projects find it easiest to go with the third option, and shop around for the best deal on RECs. Others, however, have found it best to purchase through their local utility when they can get a better bundle deal and feel like the purchase is more tangible, so do some research. 

You have three options for earning this credit. The best and most cost-effective option for your project will depend on your location and the offerings of the local utility. 

Purchase green power through the existing power provider. You need to verify that it is a Green-e certified provider or the equivalent. 
If your state has an open electricity market, you can find—and directly purchase from—a provider that offers Green-e accredited power. 
Purchase Green-e certified renewable energy certificates (RECs).

Discuss with your team the possibility of purchasing green power.

FSC Recycled and FSC Recycled Credit: do not count toward this credit at all and can be left out of the baseline wood budget. FSC Recycled can count towards MRc4 Recycled Content.

Develop FSC-certified wood procurement recommendations and incorporate them into a purchasing policy. If pursuing EBOM certification, this will contribute to MRp1: Sustainable Purchasing Policy.