855773520-LEED-v5-ID-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition-1 - Page 205
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Additional considerations: Geoexchange systems ineligible Geoexchange systems such as geothermal heat pumps that use vapor compression cycles are not considered a renewable energy resource. These systems are credited in EAc2: Enhanced Energy Efficiency .
Eligible Tier 3 renewable fuel resource types For any fuel used on the project site or for district heating, the project may procure renewable fuel that is Green-e® certified or equivalent. The Green-e® renewable fuels standard certifies biomethane (also called Renewable Natural Gas, or RNG) that meets specific production facility and feedstock criteria and is purified to meet gas pipeline specifications.
Renewable Energy Criteria
CONTRACT LENGTH
Projects must retain EACs for the annual renewable energy generation for a minimum of 10 years. Contractual documentation must show ownership of the EACs for the required duration. Examples include a 10-year contract for renewable power from:
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Tier 1 . Third-party-owned, on-site renewable energy system
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Tier 2 . Virtual Power Purchase Agreement
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Tier 3 . Green Tariff
For contract durations shorter than 10 years, prorate the renewable energy across 10 years. For a one-time bulk purchase of renewable energy, the annual renewable energy quantity allocated to the project is the total purchase quantity divided by 10.
For older contracts, only count the remaining time left in the contract no earlier than 18 months before the initial submission date for LEED certification (consistent with the Vintage criteria).
For Tier 3 renewable energy, where a 10-year contract is not available, project teams may show compliance with the 10-year minimum contract term by demonstrating the following:
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The project has an executed contract for a minimum of one year, or where contracts are not available per regulatory requirements, document that the project has been enrolled in the Green-e® or equivalent utility tariff for a minimum of one month. AND
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The project owner must provide a signed letter of commitment indicating that the project will remain continuously enrolled in the 100% renewable Green-e® or equivalent utility tariff, or alternate 100% Green-e® or equivalent procurement source for a minimum of 10 years (or the number of years documented for credit if less than 10 years).
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 194