Following are LEED Innovation in Design Points related to the electrical and lighting fields that have been approved by the USGBC’s Credit Interpretation Request (CIR) process on previous projects.  Full explanations of these CIR’s are available on the USGBC’s website www.usgbc.org.

Exceed the requirements for EAc6 by Providing 100% of the building’s electricity from renewable sources by engaging in at least a two year renewable energy contract.  This innovation point can also be obtained by providing 50% of the building’s electricity from renewable sources by engaging in at least a four year renewable energy contract.

Owner is to engage in a comprehensive strategy to save energy through the use of LCD computer monitors (rather than CRT monitors) which demonstrate an energy savings of at least 5% of the total building energy load as defined in EA Credit 1.  This item has the potential to downsize the HVAC system, use fewer circuits and material for electrical distribution, and potentially downsize any required UPS and generator systems.

Utilize a generator system to reduce electrical utility power consumption at times of high demand (peak shaving).  Calculations must demonstrate that the system as designed and installed is to reduce energy costs by at least 5%.  It is acceptable that these savings are based upon anticipated savings in utility costs, not necessarily a savings in power usage (i.e with peak shaving the building will still utilize the same amount of energy, but the demand on the utility grid is lessened).

The use of photovoltaic systems can result in an awarded innovation credit point by demonstrating that the photovoltaic systems generate more than 40% of the building’s required power consumption.  By doubling the maximum requirements set forth in EA2.3, this innovation credit point can be achieved.