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

👉 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