Building Certification Research Articles

Evaluation and Implementation of Green Building in Office Building (Case Study: Munara 99 Sabilulungan Building)

Green Building concept is the concept of building planning to fulfill a better life for the next generation. A building can be classified as a green building if it meets the requirements and has green building certification. The purpose of this research is to analyze and evaluate the existing building criteria, namely the Munara 99 Sabilulungan building through the calculation of Greenship GBCI v1.2 assessment points because there is no green building assessment and rating from GBCI so that an evaluation of green building assessment is needed. A descriptive method with an evaluative approach was chosen to describe and compare the existing condition of the building with the greenship assessment tool for new buildings v1.2. The GBCI greenship assessment for new buildings v1.2 consists of 6 categories, namely land use suitability, energy efficiency and conservation, water conservation, material sources and cycles, space health and comfort, and building environmental management. To support the GBCI greenship assessment, the data used are building shop drawings, Bill of Quantity (Boq), interview results and field observations. Based on the results of the green building assessment, the Munara 99 Sabilulungan building received a GBCI bronze rating with a score of 44 points. To improve the green building rating to a gold rating, the Munara 99 Sabilulungan building is recommended to improve several categories so that it can get a gold rating with a value of 67 points and for improvements to increase the rating requires a cost of Rp 1,790,085,000, -.

The Improvement Plan of Natural Ventilation Performance Evaluation of Residential Buildings in Green Building Certification (G-SEED)

The Improvement Plan of Natural Ventilation Performance Evaluation of Residential Buildings in Green Building Certification (G-SEED)

The Improvement of the Domestic Eco-Friendly Building Certification System for Apartment - Through a Comparative Analysis with LEED Considering Architectural Design Phase -

The Improvement of the Domestic Eco-Friendly Building Certification System for Apartment - Through a Comparative Analysis with LEED Considering Architectural Design Phase -

OPTIMIZING HVAC EFFICIENCY AND RELIABILITY: A REVIEW OF MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS

This study presents a comprehensive review of strategies to optimize HVAC systems in commercial and industrial buildings, focusing on enhancing energy efficiency, system reliability, and environmental sustainability. HVAC systems are major energy consumers, contributing significantly to operational costs in large buildings. With increasing energy costs, regulatory pressures, and the push for sustainability, technological advancements and management strategies have emerged to improve HVAC performance. Following PRISMA guidelines, this review analyzed 58 high-quality peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2023. Key findings show that energy management systems (EMS) can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, while Building Management Systems (BMS) enhance system reliability through centralized control and predictive maintenance. The adoption of eco-friendly refrigerants and energy-efficient designs, such as heat recovery and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technologies, further lowers energy usage and environmental impact. Additionally, integrating renewable energy sources like solar and geothermal into HVAC systems can reduce energy consumption by as much as 40%. Green building certifications, such as LEED and BREEAM, drive the adoption of optimized HVAC technologies, delivering both environmental and financial benefits. This review underscores the crucial role of HVAC optimization in reducing energy consumption, lowering carbon footprints, and improving the operational performance of buildings, offering valuable insights for building managers, engineers, and policymakers.

Adapting Green Building Practices and Smart Technology in Developing Countries

This paper reviews the integration of green building practices and smart technologies in developing countries, focusing on the challenges and opportunities these regions face. While developed nations have advanced significantly in sustainability through green building certifications and smart systems, developing countries encounter barriers such as financial constraints, limited technical expertise, and insufficient policy frameworks. This research employs a systematic literature review to examine case studies from Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, exploring how these regions can adapt sustainable practices to their unique socio-economic and environmental conditions. The findings reveal that despite significant challenges, green building and smart technologies offer long-term benefits, including improved energy efficiency, reduced operational costs, and enhanced quality of life. Successful adaptations, such as using locally sourced materials and implementing low-cost smart systems, demonstrate the feasibility of sustainable development even in regions with limited resources. Case studies from Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya showcase promising examples where sustainable construction has been successfully integrated. This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing an in-depth analysis of the factors enabling or hindering the adoption of green building and smart technologies in developing nations. The research concludes that stronger governmental support, enhanced technical training, and broader awareness campaigns are essential to overcoming these barriers. Key recommendations include implementing financial incentives for developers, scaling successful green building projects, and fostering public-private partnerships to promote innovation. Additionally, the study calls for policy reforms that align with international sustainability goals while considering local challenges. In conclusion, the integration of green building practices and smart technologies presents a viable solution for sustainable urbanization in developing countries, offering a path toward environmental and economic resilience.

Implementing resilience in sustainable building design: Testing selected resilience criteria in a case study

Abstract Climate change is causing unprecedented changes in precipitation, extreme temperatures, and weather-related threats. Without effective intervention, these changes are expected to escalate in the coming years, potentially causing substantial damage to buildings. Paradoxically, the buildings themselves possess the potential to both exacerbate and alleviate climate change. To achieve a balance, the design of the building must adhere to minimal sustainability standards, taking into account resilience. Popular building rating systems, currently skewed towards sustainability, often neglect resilience principles. This paper aims to assess five selected resilience criteria from a new module incorporated into an existing building certification system, SBToolCZ. Validation occurs through a multi-residential building case study in Prague, evaluating the effectiveness of the criteria in terms of feasibility, accuracy, consistency, and time/data requirements. The results of this criteria test determine the clarity, achievability, and informativeness of the selected criteria. If gathering information and meeting benchmarks within a specific time frame proves challenging, adjustments to the criteria may be necessary for attainability and specificity. Integrating resilience features into sustainability rating systems, typically used in the early stages of design, can encourage designers to incorporate resilience into their projects. This proactive approach could lead to long-term reductions in environmental, social, and economic impacts, especially during weather-related hazards.

A Research on the Data Utilization Method for the Assessment of Natural Ground Green Area for BIM-Based Green Building Certification

A Research on the Data Utilization Method for the Assessment of Natural Ground Green Area for BIM-Based Green Building Certification

Green Building Certification in Educational Facility

Abstract This study evaluates energy saving in campus facilities toward green building certification by evaluating existing energy consumption, water consumption, and material usage. It supports the green building movement primarily from the education sector to respond to government regulations. The assessment was conducted through EDGE-App, an open-access building performance software developed by IFC, in the Integrated Creative Education Learning Laboratory (i–CELL) Building. EDGE-App calculates the energy savings in the building by comparing the difference between EDGE’s base case and the i-CELL building as the improved case. The variables calculated in this research are energy consumption, water conservation, and material recovery. This building performs 70% energy savings, 42% water savings, and 48% less embodied energy in materials—thus, it was granted an EDGE Advanced Green Building Certification. Furthermore, this study can inform engineers, designers, developers, and other parties about saving energy and optimizing water and recyclable materials in campus facilities.

Trends and challenges in LEED v4.1 healthcare certification: A comprehensive analysis of U.S. hospital scores in 2024

Introduction: This study evaluates the strengths and weaknesses in LEED-HC (Healthcare) version 2024 by analyzing the scorecards of 120 healthcare projects completed in the United States between 2020 and 2024. The research focuses on the relationship between achieved scores, LEED categories, and certification levels, providing insights for improving sustainable healthcare construction. Key findings include: Energy Efficiency Challenges: LEED-HC v.2024 places increased emphasis on energy efficiency, yet scores in the Energy and Atmosphere category remain low, indicating persistent challenges in optimizing energy performance. Strong Performance in Site and Water Efficiency: Healthcare projects consistently scored high in the Sustainable Sites and Water Efficiency categories, demonstrating effective integration of sustainability measures. Balancing Scores Across Categories: Projects compensated for lower energy scores by achieving higher marks in Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation, helping maintain certification levels. Innovation and Regional Priority Trends: There is a growing trend of utilizing points from Innovation and Regional Priority categories to enhance overall scores. The study offers a benchmark for LEED-HC performance, guiding healthcare facility designers and policymakers in advancing energy-efficient and sustainable practices tailored to healthcare environments. The findings aim to support the development of greener healthcare facilities and inform future refinements of green building certification standards.

The impact of green building certifications on market value and occupant satisfaction

The impact of green building certifications on market value and occupant satisfaction

Long-term power performance evaluation of vertical building integrated photovoltaic system

As the mandatory scope of zero-energy building certification has expanded, the integration of renewable energy systems into building designs and energy operations has significantly increased. The long-term maintenance of these systems is crucial for sustaining zero-energy goals. The primary key to maintaining renewable energy systems is to assess quantitative performance factors, such as degradation and malfunction. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the long-term power performance of a large-scale vertical building-integrated photovoltaic system, which has been monitored over 9 years (2012–2020). The system, comprising 22 arrays with a total installed capacity of 142.654 kWp, was analyzed to derive quantitative performance indicators that highlight the importance of continuous maintenance. The photovoltaic system's arrays were investigated to separate them into analysis groups, and simulation-based analysis was carried out for the detailed assessments. The findings revealed that 19 of 22 arrays were operating normally, while three experienced malfunctions. In 2020, a 19.12 % performance degradation was observed in normally operating arrays compared to 2012. Post-malfunction, the affected arrays performed at approximately half the efficiency of the normal arrays. Despite theses issues, inverter efficiency remained stable across all arrays. However, a noticeable decline in array efficiency indicated performance degradation due to specific array issues. When compared to simulation-based theoretical performance, in 2020, the malfunctioned arrays exhibited nearly triple the performance degradation of the normally operating arrays. These results underscore the critical role of quantitative performance indicators in maintenance strategies and demonstrate how inadequate maintenance can lead to substantial power generation losses.

Comparative analysis of sustainable building certification processes

Comparative analysis of sustainable building certification processes

Optimising the Energy and Resources of Hotel Buildings in Cameroon from a Zero-Carbon Perspective

This article explores the potential for Cameroonian hotel buildings to achieve optimal energy and resource use, contributing to a zero-carbon future. It examines the opportunities that lie in high-performing hotels to achieve the country's ambitious environmental objectives such as reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 32% by 2035 compared with the reference scenario under the Paris Agreement. Then, the article delves into the existing landscape of green building labels and certifications while focusing on those related on hotels specifically like the Green Key. It acknowledges the various hotels categories present in the country and how their specific characteristics influence resource demands. Additionally, it presents the regulations governing the construction and conversion of hotel establishments. Furthermore, the article discusses strategies for optimising the performance of building resources within the tropical context. These involve improving the insulation of the building envelope, the efficiency of systems and the use of renewable energy sources. The article highlights the importance of the prescriptive approach for assessing and the energy performance approach for optimising building performance, using the accessible EDGE energy simulation software. Those approaches are defined in the Ivorian Inter-ministerial Order No. 134/MPEER/MCLU of 18 November 2020, given that Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire have some similar climate zones. To achieve the EDGE Zero Carbon level, it is essential to demonstrate minimum savings of 40% of energy, 20% of water and 20% of grey energy in materials, and 100% of energy- related emissions neutralised either by renewable energies or by carbon offsets. Finally, the concept of green financing is introduced, examining its potential to facilitate

SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN STRATEGY AND ITS IMPACT ON SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Sustainable environmental design solutions are crucial to reducing negative environmental impacts and maximizing the comfort of building inhabitants. This article emphasizes how these practices and ideas affect building performance and delves into the essentials of sustainable environmental design. Energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable material use, and renewable energy source integration are some of the measures examined in the project, which aim to lessen environmental consequences and promote sustainability. This study aims to illuminate effective, sustainable design solutions by analyzing current case studies and sustainable building certifications like LEED and BREEAM. Modern ventilation systems, green roofs, and passive solar architecture are just a few examples of the creative ideas shown in these case studies that help make buildings more sustainable. Considerations of economics, regulatory frameworks, and technical developments are among the opportunities and threats that the article lists as consequences of embracing sustainable design approaches. The findings show that sustainable environmental design offers many economic and social benefits, including reduced operational costs, enhanced indoor air quality, and increased occupant happiness. The paper concludes with suggestions for how sustainable design concepts might be more widely used in architectural practices and policy frameworks to create truly sustainable built environments. It argues for a comprehensive strategy that combines economic, social, and environmental objectives.

Exploring green building certification credit selection: A model based on explainable machine learning

Green buildings represent a promising solution for advancing high-quality development in the building sector to combat climate change. Selecting appropriate credits from the rating system based on the distinct characteristics of buildings is a crucial step in the green building certification process. However, in practice, credit selection is a complex and challenging task, often relying on the personal experience of experts. This study develops a model based on explainable machine learning techniques, aiming to aid architects in selecting suitable credits in the early stages of green building design and explore the impact of various factors on credit selection. A case library of 210 green buildings is established to verify the model's performance. The model demonstrated a notable precision rate of 82.38 % in the selection of regular credits. Leveraging SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) technology, the model uncovers a pattern indicating that buildings sharing specific characteristics tend to exhibit similar performance on particular credits, suggesting an inherent preference or avoidance of these credits. The model developed in this study offers practical strategies for architects in credit selection, reducing the reliance on expert opinions and simplifying the credit selection process. The introduction of explainable machine learning techniques enhances the transparency of model decisions and provides targeted insights for architects and standard setters.

A Simplified Framework to Integrate Databases with Building Information Modeling for Building Energy Assessment in Multi-Climate Zones

BIM models are seldom used for the energy certification of buildings. This paper discusses the advantages of linking two important fields: building information modeling (BIM) and building environmental assessment methods (BEAM), presented as a rating system and a proposal for the Chilean context. The state of the art in both fields around the world is discussed, with an in-depth examination of current BIM software and related applications, followed by a discussion about previous research on integrating them. A lack of interoperability and data losses between BIM and BEM were found. A new tool is presented that addresses these challenges to ensure accurate rating system data, and this new framework is based on database exchange and takes crucial information from BIM to BEAM platforms. The development of the method includes BIM programming (API), database links, and spreadsheets for a Chilean building energy certification through a new tool, also applicable to multiclimactic zones. This new semi-automatic tool allows architects to model their design in a BIM platform and use this information as input for the energy certification process. The potential and risks of this method are discussed. Several improvements and enhancements of the energy certification process were found when incorporating this new framework in comparison to current methodologies.

Indoor environmental quality in WELL-certified and LEED-certified buildings

International building certification systems, such as the WELL and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, play a pivotal role in the design of healthy and sustainable buildings. While LEED adopts a holistic approach to designing healthy and sustainable buildings, the WELL standard has a strong emphasis on human health, comfort, and well-being. Although prior research has revealed inconsistent results for occupant satisfaction in office buildings with WELL certification compared to buildings without WELL certification, or are certified using another certification system (e.g., LEED), most of these comparisons tend to lack methodological rigor. This study used a statistical procedure to match and compare 1634 occupant surveys from LEED-certified buildings to 1634 surveys from WELL-certified buildings. Six important architectural and experiential parameters were matched, masking their influence on the outcome. Overall building and workspace satisfaction was high in both WELL-certified buildings (94% and 87%) and LEED-certified (73% and 71%). We found that there is a 39% higher probability of finding occupants who are more satisfied in WELL-certified buildings compared to LEED-certified buildings, indicating occupant satisfaction is higher in buildings with WELL certification. Although we were unable to pinpoint the reason for higher occupant satisfaction in WELL-certified buildings, the results consistently showed that perceived indoor environmental quality was enhanced across all parameters except for the amount of space.

Determining the Effectiveness of Green Building Certifications in Terms of Impacts on Sustainability: a Case Study from Australia

Green building is a process of designing a structure in a way that its lifecycle, use, construction, and demolition are allincluded in the project, so that all areas of sustainability are balanced and maintained. This research on Green BuildingCertifications focuses on assessing the impact of green buildings over non-green buildings and thus to understand its effectiveness on overall sustainability. The research uses data from two selected States in Australia, namely Victoria and New South Wales (NSW). Both primary and secondary data were used to understand the impact of green building certifications through comparative, descriptive and inferential analysis.These results demonstrated a 54% increase in meeting environmental standards; 57% and 66% in saving of water per m2 of the floor area of the buildings in NSW and Victoria, respectively; as well as up to 85% decrease in energy use between green buildings compared to non-green buildings over a 12-year span.

Field Assessment for Initial Preparation of Net Zero Building Certification for The Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN) Building: A Case Study On Visual Comfort in C and D Tower

Ensuring optimal physical comfort, the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of building systems was established. This investigation endeavors to meticulously scrutinize illuminance and light power density metrics across distinct temporal segments (morning, noon, afternoon, and night), as well as the dynamism of daylighting and artificial lighting presence within Tower C and D of Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN). Noteworthy for their incorporation of double skin façades, these edifices serve as focal points of inquiry. The empirical findings reveal that illuminance levels within classrooms and offices, irrespective of natural or artificial lighting, consistently fall short of the prescribed 350 lux threshold based on SNI across most floor levels. The efficacy of the double skin façade manifests in a discernible attenuation, diminishing illuminance ingress to the building by approximately 50%, and precipitously by up to 90% about window fixtures. Furthermore, the analysis of light power density underscores an energy efficiency quotient hovering around 60%. These empirical insights are intended to serve as a foundational resource for guiding the initiation of Net Zero Healthy Greenship certification endeavors.

PROBLEMS OF VISUAL QUALITIES OF THE ARCHITECTURAL ENVIRONMENT IN GREEN STANDARDS

The architectural community, which is closely involved in green standards, is already aware of the need to consider the aesthetic qualities of the architectural environment in rating systems of environmental certification. The study’s relevance is related to the need to find ways to factor the impact of the aesthetic component of architecture on human health in architectural projects. The purpose of the study is to justify the need to include the aesthetic properties of architectural objects under design in rating systems for environmental certification of architecture. Rating systems for environmental certification of buildings are not universal; each has its characteristics. Analysis of the most common systems shows that they do not take into account and do not regulate the appearance of buildings from the point of view of human visual perception. At the same time, the visual and aesthetic qualities of the architectural environment affect human health and well-being, which makes them components of ecology and a matter for consideration. The author’s research focuses on some of the most common and basic standards: LEED, BREEAM, and WELL. We determined that several green standards address the visual impact of architecture as a component of human health and ecology. We also found that during certification, according to the relevant standard, in most cases, the visual impact comes down to providing a view from the window, the level of lighting inside the room, and insolation, among others. At the same time, there is no regulation of the aesthetic impact of a building on a person; there is no methodology for its evaluation. There is an obvious need to consider the aesthetic qualities of architecture. Its quantification and scoring are possible within the framework of the corresponding credits of the environmental certification rating system. For this, we propose an appropriate technique, which consists of conducting a statistical survey of some categories of respondents who answer a series of questions about visual perception and give a generalised assessment of the architectural project. The study substantiates the expediency of introducing criteria for assessing the aesthetic properties of architectural structures into the system of green standards; it analyses the requirements of green standards regarding the aesthetic properties of the architectural environment. The article also develops the principles of forming criteria for assessing the aesthetic properties of architectural structures. It argues that the aesthetic visual qualities of architectural objects affect human health and that we should consider them in the environmental certification systems of architecture. Therefore, the study is forming a unified green standard template, one of the criteria of which will allow for the awarding of points for the visual environmental friendliness of a building undergoing green certification. Keywords: green standards, BREEAM, LEED, visual ecology, visual qualities, aesthetic properties.