Photo: Child Development Center – University of Calgary – Certified Leed Platinum
It has become evident that some ‘green’ rated buildings are not living up to their name. It stands to reason that giving a building a gold rating within the LEED Certification system after construction is completed, but without waiting to see how it actually performs, could lead to some serious discrepancies. A hypothetical energy model can be way off the mark, as building efficiency is affected by many things, such as how many occupants there are, and if they turn the lights out at night.
A Case in Point
One example is the Federal Building in Youngstown, Ohio, a structure that has received the coveted LEED Certification seal. Though it makes use of natural lighting and a white roof to reflect heat, as well as showcasing native landscaping, the building falls short on the energy efficiency end of the spectrum. So short, in fact, that the Environmental Protection Agency could not grant it the Energy Star label after scrutinizing utility bills for a year’s operation.
The Fallout
For fear of negating the import of LEED Certification, the United States Green Building Council, the administrators of the rating program, announced it would begin collecting energy data from all buildings that it approves and would require energy and water bills from new structures for the first five years. The point system employed by LEED is comprised of a checklist of a plethora of features, and buildings can accumulate points for things like bamboo flooring while being a dismal failure in other areas.
The Solution?
Many times, it’s a case of wanting to look good to further financial gain. Builders realize that LEED Certification leads to tax credits, attracts tenants and allows for premium renting rates, and projects an image of environmental stewardship.
Some experts believe that buildings should be rated only after ‘real-time’ energy usage data is available and that this information should be made public. Henry Gifford, an energy consultant in New York City, has a better idea perhaps. “The plaque should be installed with removable screws. Once the plaque is glued on, there’s no incentive to do better.”
The truth is, keeping track of energy usage and meticulously working to improve efficiency is rarely at the top of a building’s to-do list, unless that coveted and illustrious ‘green label’ is in jeopardy.
