Green buildings earn extra credit for demand response

LEED green building projects will now receive credit for demand response improvements that automatically shift energy consumption to off-peak times during times of high demand.

The US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED Demand Response Pilot Credit is designed to encourage increased participation in automated demand response programs. To satisfy the credit requirements, LEED projects must show they can shift energy consumption during peak events by 10 percent of peak load demand. Projects will earn a point towards LEED certification when they
participate in existing utility-sponsored demand response programs that meet the pilot credit guidelines. Additional points are available for projects that implement semi- or fully automated demand response programs in their buildings.

“(W)e believe this credit will really make a difference in the overall smart-grid adoption by the commercial sector,” said Jim Anderson, vice president of Schneider Electric’s US utility and smart-grid business.

The USGBC is currently finalizing plans for a market test of the Demand Response Pilot Credit. The market pilot test will be launched in select utility territories. The council will also launch an education and market feedback program to foster knowledge-sharing and
measure the impact the building community can have on the grid and the environment.

“Demand response is unique,” said Mark MacCracken, chairman of the board of USGBC. “We believe that the new requirements create a straightforward framework for LEED teams to implement demand response, while delivering benefits to both the power grid and to the environment.”