Which system is eligible for the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Renewable Energy Production?

Which system is eligible for the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Renewable Energy Production?
A . Ground-source heat pumps
B . Tidal-based electrical production
C . Municipal solid waste combustion
D . Passive solar and daylighting strategies

Answer: B

Explanation:

Tidal-based electrical production is eligible for the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Renewable Energy Production. This credit rewards projects that use renewable energy systems to offset building energy cost. According to the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, renewable energy systems are defined as “those that use resources that are naturally replenished within a 100-year or shorter cycle and that are greenhouse gas neutral on an annual basis” 1. Tidal-based electrical production meets this definition, as it uses the kinetic energy of the tides to generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. The other options are not eligible for this credit, as ground-source heat pumps are not considered renewable energy systems, municipal solid waste combustion is not greenhouse gas neutral, and passive solar and daylighting strategies do not offset building energy cost.

Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Energy and Atmosphere Category, EAc Renewable Energy Production, page 572.