EA Credit: Renewable Energy Production
Renewable Energy Production = Generate clean energy ON-SITE and OWN the benefits
🔹 Introduction
This credit focuses on generating clean energy on-site to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Instead of purchasing all energy from the grid, the building produces its own energy using renewable sources like:
- Solar (PV, solar thermal)
- Wind
- Geothermal (in specific cases)
- Biofuels (with restrictions)
👉 This is about self-supply of energy, not just efficiency.
🔹 Intent
👉 To:
- Reduce dependence on fossil fuels
- Lower GHG emissions
- Encourage on-site renewable energy generation
🔹 Core Concept
The more energy you generate on-site, the more LEED points you earn
⚙️ How It Works
👉 Projects must:
- Install on-site renewable energy systems
- Offset a percentage of annual energy cost
👉 Points are based on:
- % of energy cost offset by renewables
📊 Key Structure
| % Energy Cost Offset | Points |
| ~1–5% | 1 point |
| ~5–10% | 2 points |
| ~10%+ | 3 points |
👉 Exemplary Performance:
- 15% (BD+C) → Innovation point
- 10% (Core & Shell)
⚡ Eligible Renewable Systems
✔️ Photovoltaic (solar panels)
✔️ Solar thermal
✔️ Wind
✔️ Low-impact hydro
✔️ Wave/tidal
✔️ Certain geothermal systems
✔️ Certain biofuels
🚫 NOT Eligible (Very Important)
❌ Passive design (daylighting, orientation)
❌ Architectural strategies
❌ Ground-source heat pumps (GSHP)
❌ Some biofuels (treated wood, MSW, etc.)
👉 Exam trap:
Not everything “sustainable” = renewable energy
🔁 Special Rules (VERY TESTABLE)
🔹 RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates)
👉 If you sell RECs, you lose environmental claim
👉 To still earn credit:
- Must buy equivalent RECs back
🔹 Third-Party Systems
👉 Allowed ONLY if:
- Contract ≥ 10 years
- Project retains environmental benefits (RECs)
🔹 Off-Site Fuel (e.g., landfill gas)
👉 Allowed if:
- 10-year contract
- RECs included OR offsets purchased
📊 Comparison Table
Aspect | Renewable Energy Production |
Points | Up to 3 |
Focus | On-site energy generation |
Metric | % of energy cost offset |
System Type | Renewable only |
Passive strategies | ❌ Not eligible |
RECs requirement | Must retain or replace |
Third-party allowed? | Yes (with conditions) |
Exemplary performance | Yes |
🧠 Memory Tips
🔹 Simple Way to Remember
👉 Efficiency = use less energy
👉 Renewables = generate your own energy
🔹 3-Step Mental Model
- Reduce energy need
- Use energy efficiently
- Generate renewable energy
👉 This is exactly what your slide shows ✔️
🔹 Key Phrase
“ON-SITE + OWNERSHIP of environmental benefits”
⚠️ Common Exam Traps
❌ “Daylighting counts as renewable energy”
👉 Incorrect
👉 That’s energy efficiency, not generation
❌ “Geothermal always qualifies”
👉 Incorrect
👉 Only:
- Natural geothermal energy ✔️
- GSHP (heat pumps) ❌
❌ “Selling RECs is fine”
👉 Incorrect
👉 Must retain or replace RECs
❌ “Off-site renewable energy qualifies”
👉 Only under strict contract + REC conditions
🔗 Synergy (Important for Teaching)
👉 This credit connects strongly with:
- EA Optimize Energy Performance
- EA Green Power & Carbon Offsets
- SS Heat Island Reduction (solar shading)
Official FAQs
What determines points in this credit?
A project installs solar panels but sells all RECs. Can it earn this credit?
Does a ground-source heat pump qualify as renewable energy?
Why does LEED require REC ownership?
Why is passive design excluded?
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