Green power

Intent

To encourage the development and use of grid-source, renewable energy technologies on a net zero pollution basis.

Requirements

Engage in at least a 2-year renewable energy contract to provide at least 35% of the building’s electricity from renewable sources, as defined by the Center for Resource Solutions’ Green-e Energy product certification requirements or an equivalent.

All purchases of green power shall be based on the quantity of energy consumed, not the cost.

If the green power is not Green-e Energy certified, equivalence must exist for both major Green-e Energy program criteria: 1) current green power performance standards, and 2) independent, third-party verification that those standards are being met by the green power supplier over time.

Option 1. Determine baseline electricity use

Use the annual electricity consumption from the results of EA Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance.

OR

Option 2. Estimate baseline electricity use

Use the U.S. Department of Energy’s Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey database to determine the estimated electricity use.

School districts can purchase green power on a centralized basis and allocate the green power to a specific project. However, the same power cannot be credited to another LEED project. Submit a letter from the company owner attesting to this.