EAc4: Grid Harmonization – Above Green

(1-2 points)

Intent

To increase participation in demand response technologies and programs that make energy generation and distribution systems more efficient, increase grid reliability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Requirements

Design building and equipment for participation in demand response programs through load shedding or shifting. On-site electricity generation does not meet the intent of this credit.

Case 1. Demand Response Program Available and Participation (2 points)

Participate in an existing demand response (DR) program and complete the following activities. Design a system with the capability for real-time, fully-automated DR based on external initiation by a DR Program Provider. Semi-automated DR may be utilized in practice.
Enroll in a minimum one-year DR participation amount contractual commitment with a qualified DR program provider, with the intention of multiyear renewal, for at least 10% of the annual on-peak electricity demand. On-peak demand is determined under EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance. The on-peak demand may vary based on the utility climate and pricing structures.
Develop a comprehensive plan for meeting the contractual commitment during a Demand Response event.
Include the DR processes in the scope of work for the commissioning authority, including participation in at least one full test of the DR plan.
Include the DR program and any installed technologies in the building systems manual or include in the current facilities requirements and operations and maintenance plan if the project is not pursuing EA credit Enhanced Commissioning.
Initiate at least one full test of the DR plan.

Case 2. Demand Response Capable Building (1 point)

Have infrastructure in place to take advantage of future demand response programs or dynamic, real-time pricing programs and complete the following activities:

Install interval recording meters with communications and ability for the building automation system to accept an external price or control signal.
Develop a comprehensive plan for shedding at least 10% of the annual on-peak electricity demand. On-peak demand is determined under EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance.
Include the DR processes in the scope of work for the commissioning authority, including participation in at least one full test of the DR plan.
Include the DR program and any installed technologies in the building systems manual or include in the current facilities requirements and operations and maintenance plan if the project is not pursuing EA credit Enhanced Commissioning.
Contact local utility representatives to discuss participation in future DR programs.

AND / OR

Case 3. Load Flexibility and Management Strategies (1-2 points)

Analyze the building’s annual load shape and peak load based as calculated for EA prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance. Review the regional grid load profile using the metric of peak load or peak carbon emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) AVoided Emissions and geneRation Tool (AVERT) provides regional grid emissions data; local utilities may also provide this data.

Coordinate review of building load shape and peak load with review of the regional grid profile to identify the best value load management strategies that the building can provide.

Implement one or more of the load flexibility and management strategies described below for a maximum of up to two points. All projects must install interval recording meters with communications and the ability for the building automation system to accept an external price signal.

Load Flexibility and Management Strategies:

Peak Load Optimization: demonstrate that strategy reduces on-peak load by at least 10% as compared to peak electrical demand (1 point)
Flexible Operating Scenarios: demonstrate that strategy moves at least 10% of peak load by a time period of 2 hours (1 point)
On-site thermal and/or electricity storage: demonstrate that strategy reduces on-peak load by at least 10% as compared to peak electrical demand (1 point)
Grid resilience technologies: project served by utilities with resilience programs in place, which leverage strategies such as islanding and part-load operation, automatically achieve this credit (1 point)

Include installed technology in the scope of work for the commissioning authority. Include load flexibility and management strategies and installed technologies in the building systems manual or include in the current facilities requirements and operations and maintenance plan if the project is not pursuing EA credit Enhanced Commissioning.

Contact local utility representatives to discuss participation in future DR programs and to inform utility of building load flexibility and management strategies.