LEED Raters Begin Pilot Test of Buildings
The Energy Fix
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is testing a new credit forits Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating systemthat earns points for buildings that have installed automated demandresponse tools.
Buildings satisfy the credit by demonstrating their ability to shiftenergy consumption by at least 10 percent of peak load demand. Thisearns then one point toward LEED certification provided the buildingalso participates in an existing utility-sponsored demand responseprogram and meets certain other guidelines. Additional points areavailable for efficiency investments in buildings.
Amy Boyce, LEED Manager at USGBC, told participants in the NationalTown Hall on Demand Response and Smart Grid Wednesday in Washington, DCthat USGBC is finalizing plans for the implementation of a concentratedmarket test of the Demand Response Pilot Credit. The test is to belaunched in select utility service territories to promote the new credit with hopes of sparking widespread adoption.
The credit is available for pilot testing for new construction,schools, retail stores, healthcare facilities and the “core and shell”and operations and maintenance of existing buildings.
The USGBC is reaching out to relevant trade groups such as theAssociation for Demand Response and Smart Grid to engage stakeholders.She’s being met with pent-up demand for more comprehensive andenlightened means of assessing the sustainability of buildings andlowering their energy demand and carbon foot print.
Read about all the specifications here.
Jim Pierobon is Founder and principal author of The Energy Fix. Heis a policy, marketing and social media strategist who has reported on,testified and consulted about fossil fuel shortages, price spikes andthe rise and fall and the rise again of nuclear and renewable energysources. He is currently helping forge policies to explain and promoteenergy efficiency and scale up clean energy systems in Maryland in theUnited States. Articles l Homepage