Abstract
Compared to other categories, the Energy and Atmosphere category contributes the most to the maximum obtainable points in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system. The objective of the study was to identify the extent to which project teams take advantage of the credits in the Energy and Atmosphere category of LEED. This study analyzes the performance of practitioners in achieving points in the Energy and Atmosphere credits of LEED-New Construction (NC) 2009 for 1500 buildings that received LEED certification in the US. For a better understanding of the credit patterns, the differences in the performance of practitioners are investigated relative to certification levels and project ownership. Achievement in credits is calculated in terms of percent of maximum points (PMP), since the maximum achievable points differ for each credit. Practitioners’ achievements in the credits were ranked as follows: (1) enhanced commissioning, (2) optimized energy performance, (3) enhanced refrigerant management, (4) green power, (5) measurement and verification, and (6) on-site renewable energy. The largest achievement differences were observed in the on-site renewable energy credit. Concerning building ownership, investors were found to optimize mostly energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy, but to mostly skip enhanced refrigerant management. Performance in the measurement and verification credit was similar for all owner types, whereas investors performed differently from corporations, and government agencies in the enhanced commissioning credit. Practitioners who recognize these priorities and differences are expected to be better positioned to make sustainability-related decisions in building design and construction.
Highlights
Buildings consume a considerable amount of energy and constitute one of the major sources of adverse impacts on the environment
Energy efficiency is essential in sustainable construction
Since a considerable amount of energy is used during the construction and occupation phases of a building project, efforts to reduce energy consumption are valued in the certification process
Summary
Buildings consume a considerable amount of energy and constitute one of the major sources of adverse impacts on the environment. Buildings account for 19% of global greenhouse gas emissions [1]. In the US, the residential and commercial businesses are responsible for 12% of the total greenhouse gas emissions due to heating and cooking needs, management of waste and wastewater, and leaks from refrigerants in homes and businesses [2]. It is essential to ensure sufficient energy supply in the future [3], and it is necessary to incorporate measures for energy efficiency into the design and construction processes [4]. A major objective of sustainable design and construction is to minimize the adverse impacts of excessive energy consumption.
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