Which statement is true about on-site and off-site energy contributions to LEED credits?

• A. Only on-site energy can contribute to credits
• B. Only off-site energy can contribute to credits
• C. Both on-site generation and off-site energy purchases can contribute to credits
• D. Neither on-site nor off-site energy contributes to credits

Answer: (C)

In LEED, energy credits acknowledge both generating power on the project site and purchasing renewable energy from off site. On-site energy generation directly offsets the building’s energy use, such as solar PV, which can earn points by reducing demand. Off-site energy purchases—like green power contracts or renewable energy certificates (RECs)—count toward credits that recognize the use of renewable energy, even though the generation occurs elsewhere. Taken together, both approaches can contribute to LEED credits, depending on the specific credit path and verification requirements. That’s why the statement that both on-site generation and off-site energy purchases can contribute is true.