Start by reducing the building’s energy load. The smaller the load, the less renewable energy you have to generate to meet the credit thresholds, which saves money and might expand the options you can use. For example, a 100-MMBtu/year building needs to p

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Start by reducing the building’s energy load. The smaller the load, the less renewable energy you have to generate to meet the credit thresholds, which saves money and might expand the options you can use. For example, a 100-MMBtu/year building needs to produce 1 MMBtu/yr to reach the 1% credit threshold, while an 80-MMBtu/year building needs only 0.8 MMBtu/year. 

Building-integrated installations can work even if space is tight on the site. Consider wall-mounted PV panels, vertical terrace-mounted solar thermal, or PV integrated into the glazing, for example. These technologies often sacrifice some efficiency for

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Building-integrated installations can work even if space is tight on the site. Consider wall-mounted PV panels, vertical terrace-mounted solar thermal, or PV integrated into the glazing, for example. These technologies often sacrifice some efficiency for convenient placement. 

Consider the location, available space, structural and maintenance requirements of possible renewable technologies, bringing your focus to the most applicable. 

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Consider the location, available space, structural and maintenance requirements of possible renewable technologies, bringing your focus to the most applicable. 

Incentives of various kinds often mean the difference between pursuing this credit and not. Identify tax rebates, subsidies, cost-sharing, long-term leasing, net metering opportunities, and other incentives available from local, regional and national auth

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Incentives of various kinds often mean the difference between pursuing this credit and not. Identify tax rebates, subsidies, cost-sharing, long-term leasing, net metering opportunities, and other incentives available from local, regional and national authorities as well as utilities. See Resources for help on this. 

Train operations and maintenance staff to troubleshoot any problems, particularly if there is a BMS system that responds to user controls, with overrides for end-of-day setbacks.

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Train operations and maintenance staff to troubleshoot any problems, particularly if there is a BMS system that responds to user controls, with overrides for end-of-day setbacks.

Educate occupants about the range of control adjustments available. Many air diffusers can open or close the air vent and change the temperature only within a limited range, typically within 5ºF–10ºF of acceptable comfort levels. For example, a heating sy

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Educate occupants about the range of control adjustments available. Many air diffusers can open or close the air vent and change the temperature only within a limited range, typically within 5ºF–10ºF of acceptable comfort levels. For example, a heating system may allow a range from 68ºF–74ºF. Comfort controls may not allow larger changes or switching to air conditioning during the heating season, and it is helpful for occupants to understand this. Encourage occupants not to leave windows open when heating or cooling is on.

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