Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction, LEED BD+C: Core and Shell, LEED BD+C: Schools, LEED ID+C: Retail, LEED BD+C: Healthcare

Rating System Version

v3 - LEED 2009, v2 - Schools 2007, v2 - LEED 2.2, v2 - LEED 2.0

Inquiry

Regarding LEED BD&C EAc6: As the cost of renewable energy sources (PV, in particular) continues to drop, the number of projects able to pursue a site net zero energy goal will continue to increase. The final estimation of electricity consumption for EAc1, Optimize Energy Performance, includes the impact of renewable energy determined through EAc2, On-Site Renewable Energy. The credit language for EAc6 indicates that the annual electricity consumption is to be determined from the results of EAc1 or CBECS. Based on this language, it would appear that a net zero energy project would not need to purchase any renewable energy credits (i.e. green power) to achieve EAc6. If a project was 99% better than ASHRAE 90.1-2007 as determined for EAc1, the green power purchase required would be clear, albeit very small. EAc6 seems to conflict with facilities wanting to increase their energy performance to net zero. Please clarify this credit to support projects seeking net zero.