International projects can still achieve this credit even if the local government agency has not designated it as a brownfield by pursuing the Option 1 compliance path by conducting your own ASTM E1903-97 Phase II Environmental Site Assessment.
If a system is owned and operated off-site by the project owner with the project receiving the energy generated, then the project may be able to count that renewable energy towards LEED EAc2.
If a PV vendor purchases and installs system on the project site, then the project does not have ‘ownership’ of the renewable system. To obtain LEED credit, the project must get into a ‘power purchase agreement’ where the building buys the electricity from the PV vendor at or lower than market price. The electricity has to flow into the building. The PV vendor may not retain the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) of the system. If they are retaining the RECs then the LEED project can’t claim credit under EAc2.
In the case of generating onsite electricity and waste heat with a renewable source, e.g. biomass generator, all of the generated energy may be considered as on-site renewable energy.
For commercial buildings, systems like fan coils paired with dedicated outdoor air systems can help provide local control to occupants, while reducing first-cost expenses like duct-work.
There are new equipment types earning the Energy Star label on a regular basis. Any equipment type that fits into the LEED categories for equipment addressed by the credit should be included in credit calculations.
