What does "grid-friendly" energy usage refer to in LEED practices?

"Grid-friendly" energy usage in LEED practices refers to strategies that support demand response and grid stability. This concept emphasizes the importance of aligning energy consumption patterns with the availability of energy resources, particularly as energy generation from renewable sources can be variable.

When buildings implement grid-friendly strategies, they typically adopt practices that enable them to adjust or reduce their energy consumption during peak demand periods or when the grid is under stress. This not only helps in preventing overload but also supports the overall stability of the electrical grid.

By encouraging behaviors like demand response—where consumers adjust their energy use in response to supply conditions—"grid-friendly" practices can help integrate renewable energy sources more effectively, ensuring that energy is used in a way that complements grid operations rather than overwhelms them. This is increasingly vital in modern energy systems, where the mix of generation sources is shifting toward more intermittent renewable energy technologies.