Go for Gold with Green Power!
Most of us know how arduous and time consuming the LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification process can be for some projects, and just when we think we made it past silver; we realize we need a few more points to get to gold or perhaps to platinum if going all in.
Did you know that the Green Power Credit can play a valuable role in getting over a point challenge?
As you know, the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED criteria offers 5 major areas in LEED 2009 & 2012 (V 4.0) to earn points; Sites, Water, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality and Energy & Atmosphere.
Currently, the Green Power Credit falls under Energy & Atmosphere Green Power Credit (EAc6). LEED buildings can earn points by matching a portion of their electricity or energy use with
Green-e® Energy Certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) or their equivalent as well as with verified carbon offsets for at least two years.
However, it is expected that LEED (V 4.0) will introduce a major change to this credit by adding more stringent requirements than in previous versions. The USGBC expects the change to help the renewable energy industry by increasing the required amount and duration of a LEED project’s commitment to green energy as the overall purpose of the Green Power Credit is to support the growth of renewable energy in the U.S.
Green Wizard and JustGreen have partnered to ease the Green Power credit process
We’ve hit the nail on the head with a new online green power quote system, making it easier for customers to acquire LEED points. It is a convenient, interactive tool providing immediate benefit to the architectural, engineering and construction community who require real-time quotes for the purchase of RECs for points. It also provides quotes for carbon offsets for those working on EBO&M credit (Scope 1 & 3) and in anticipation of LEED (V4.0).
By visiting www.justgreenleed.com and entering the project type, building location and square footage, customers can obtain information on the amount of RECs and VERs/Carbon Offsets needed for points and their associated costs for projects anywhere in North America. In addition, JustGreen customers receive prompt documentation for LEED submission as well as marketing materials to promote their green power purchase and also qualify for Architecture: 2030 Challenge.
JustGreen is a proud member of the U.S. Green Building Council and Canada Green Building Council, and one of North America’s largest green energy providers with $120M invested in green energy projects to date. Just Energy is part of the growing network of renewable energy providers that offer REC products certified by Green-e® Energy, North America’s leading certification and verification program for renewable energy.
For more information on green power products and custom quotes, contact Irela Bagué ibague@justenergy.com.
LEED® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council.
