Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction, LEED BD+C: New Construction, LEED BD+C: New Construction

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.0, v2 - LEED 2.2, v2 - LEED 2.2

Inquiry

We have reviewed the administrative clarification credit ruling regarding Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and dated 5/16/2006. It discusses two items: 1. the sale of RECs, valuation of on-site renewable energy generation, and 2. separate ownership of the building and the on-site system. Please confirm that item 2 only applies if item 1 applies. For example: if the renewable system owner retains the REC associated with the power it produces and does not sell or trade the REC then: 1. an on-site renewable energy system may be owned and operated by an entity other than the building owner, and 2. the system does not need to meet the three qualifiers listed at the end of the REC ruling dated 5/16/2006, and 3. the building owner can still receive EA-c1 points, and 4. the building owner can still receive EA-c2 points. In our case, the renewable energy system owner is the local utility. The building owner is committed to long-term on-site renewable energy generation through an agreement with the utility. We believe this situation clearly meets the intent of the credit: to increase the level of on-site renewable energy supply.