Green Star FAQs
How can projects comply with the Active Generation and Storage Systems pathway under Grid Resilience?
Project teams may target with the Active Generation and Storage Systems pathway by demonstrating the building has the capacity to reduce its electricity peak demand by 10% of the building’s annual peak electricity demand for at least a one-hour period.
The peak demand reduction can occur through thermal storage solutions (such as chilled water storage systems), by electricity storage solutions (batteries), or through renewable on-site generation.
Where the electricity demand reduction is achieved by using on-site generation or electricity storage, the on-site generation must be sized such that it does not export more than 30% of electricity generated to the grid during peak solar generation period.
Where greater than 30% of electricity generated is exported, it must be demonstrated that the excess meets one of the following:
- Is not exported (e.g., is stored, used, or distributed e.g., microgrid)
- There is an agreement with the network operator exists that explicitly allows export during peak solar generation periods
- Has dynamic export inverters which are remotely controllable by the network grid operator, to remotely control the system’s operation and amount of electricity being exported to the grid when required.
For this pathway, the building management system (BMS) must include a demand management dashboard that shows the peak demand target, current, historical demand, alongside the critical performance characteristics. The BMS must also have the capacity to accept external control signals to enable signing up to current or future demand response programs. The active demand management strategies must also be tested and commissioned prior to occupancy, assuming a full load profile on a peak day.
Where the above is met, the project is not required to demonstrate integration of switch gear and transfer switches, nor approvals with the electricity utility company to operate as a peak reduction system and have capacity to become part of a network load demand system or operate in island mode.
This FAQ is related to the following Rating Tools, Categories or Credits:
- Green Star Buildings v1 / Resilient / 20 Grid Resilience
These FAQs are:
- provided as additional technical assistance for Green Star users.
- optional and free to use on Green Star projects.
When used on Green Star projects, make sure to:
- state the FAQ number on the Submission Template.
- click on "Download" to save the FAQ.
- include the PDF in the submission.
The GBCA reserves the right to add or remove FAQ at our discretion.
Submit a question by selecting an option below: