Step by Step Calculations for EBOM EAc4: Onsite and Off-Site Renewable Energy

Use this sample method to guide your project in calculating the necessary level of onsite renewable energy production or off-site renewable energy purchase. If you are already producing or purchasing renewable energy, you can use these steps to determine how many points you’re earning on this credit.

1. Identify all forms of energy use at the building
2. Convert each energy source into million Btus (MBtus) 
3. Calculate Total Building Annual Energy Use (including all energy forms)
4. Determine length of performance period and prorate energy use accordingly
5. Calculate onsite renewable energy production, if any
6. Calculate off-site renewable energy purchase, if any
7. Determine credit compliance, or credit feasibility

Step 1: Identify all forms of energy use at the building

Include all energy generated or consumed onsite, including electricity, heating fuel, and cooling energy.

Example
Project annual energy use (natural gas): 500 therms 
Project annual energy use (electricity): 14,654 kWhA kilowatt-hour is a unit of work or energy, measured as 1 kilowatt (1,000 watts) of power expended for 1 hour. One kWh is equivalent to 3,412 Btu.

Step 2: Convert each energy source into Mbtus

Use the following table to convert each energy source.

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