Contact an experienced renewable energy provider who can provide generation capacity for solar, wind or hydro systems installed onsite in a pre-feasibility study and identify potential obstacles. It is easiest to locate the providers through the trade organizations or manufacturers.
Conduct a preliminary cost-benefit analysis to determine the first cost and life cycle payback. Most teams use LEED point thresholds as a way to frame the analysis. For example, what is the cost and the payback of meeting the 1% threshold?
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.
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 authorities as well as utilities. See Resources for help on this.
Providing occupant comfort controls can add some costs, but they can also save money and improve occupant comfort and productivity. Occupant comfort controls allow for the mechanical system to respond to conditions specific to different parts of the building, improving overall comfort while saving energy. Typically, a system under central control is sized and calibrated for the least comfortable space.
