Question

A project team is planning to use green power obtained from a separate campus facility through an internal campus agreement. The project team did not use an energy model for EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance. No other buildings on campus obtain power from this facility. What is true about the project's ability to earn EA Credit Green Power and Carbon Offsets?

A. The campus facility that supplies the power does not have to be Green-e Certified

B. The project will be required to purchase RECs

C. At least 70% of the power supplied must be certified, along with a 2-year contract

D. The project building can share the credit with other buildings on campus

Answer 1

The answer largely depends on the specific green building certification system you're referring to. Assuming you're referencing the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) system, then the most appropriate response would be:

C. At least 70% of the power supplied must be certified, along with a 2-year contract.

For LEED v4, the Green Power and Carbon Offsets credit requires a 2-year contract for green power, carbon offsets, or renewable energy certificates (RECs) covering at least 50% (for new constructions) or 100% (for existing buildings) of the project's energy use. However, given the lack of an energy model, the team might face challenges determining the exact proportion of green power used. Also, the green power should come from a Green-e certified or equivalent source.

So, the campus facility supplying the power doesn't necessarily need to be Green-e certified (A) but the power does. The project may not be required to purchase RECs (B), if the power supplied already meets the requirement. Finally, sharing the credit with other buildings (D) seems unlikely, especially given that no other buildings obtain power from this facility.

Please note, this information is based on LEED v4, which was current as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. Please check the latest LEED guidelines or other certification system for up-to-date and detailed requirements.