Comparative Analysis of Energy Consumption of Green and Non-Green School Buildings

Abstract

One of the goals of US Green Building Council (USGBC) is to minimize the energy consumption of buildings. Several initiatives and steps have been taken by the USGBC and the construction industry to promote sustainable and energy efficient buildings. Institutional buildings, such as schools, colleges, universities, should be made energy efficient so that further depletion of fuel energy sources in the world can be reduced. “Green” buildings are designed to save energy costs by reducing the energy consumption. The objective of this study is to determine the difference in energy consumption between Green School Buildings (GSB) and Non-Green School Buildings (NGSB). This study collected data regarding energy consumption for 30 Green School Buildings and 30 Non-Green School Buildings constructed by Clark County School District in Nevada. A statistical analysis was performed to determine whether there was a significant difference between the energy consumption of a GSB and a NGSB. The results showed that GSBs consumed significantly less energy than NGSBs. About 32% less energy was consumed by GSBs compared to NGSBs.