What minimum contract length is required for an owner to purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs) for LEED credit?

To earn the LEED credit for renewable energy, the minimum contract length required for an owner to purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs) is five years. This duration is stipulated to ensure that the commitment to using renewable energy is substantial and contributes meaningfully to the project’s sustainability goals.

A five-year commitment demonstrates a long-term investment in renewable energy sources, which aligns with LEED’s intent to promote sustainability and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. A shorter commitment might not provide the same assurance of ongoing renewable energy use, whereas a longer commitment could be seen as excessive or impractical for some projects. Thus, the five-year minimum serves as a balanced requirement, encouraging a responsible approach to energy consumption while allowing flexibility for project owners.