Leadership In Energy And Environmental Design Research Articles

INTEGRATING SUSTAINABILITY INTO HVAC PROJECT MANAGEMENT: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

As environmental concerns continue to escalate, the integration of sustainability principles into project management practices has emerged as a crucial endeavor across various industries. In the realm of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, where energy consumption and environmental impact are significant, the incorporation of sustainable practices presents both challenges and opportunities. This review provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating sustainability into HVAC project management. Challenges in integrating sustainability into HVAC project management stem from various factors, including technological limitations, cost considerations, and organizational barriers. Technologically, the adoption of sustainable HVAC solutions often requires investments in advanced equipment and systems, which may not always be readily available or affordable for all projects. Additionally, the upfront costs of implementing sustainable practices can be perceived as prohibitive, especially in industries where budget constraints are prevalent. Moreover, organizational inertia and resistance to change pose significant challenges, as stakeholders may be hesitant to deviate from traditional HVAC methodologies. Despite these challenges, there exist ample opportunities for integrating sustainability into HVAC project management. Advancements in technology, such as the development of energy-efficient HVAC systems and renewable energy integration, provide opportunities to reduce environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. Furthermore, the growing emphasis on green building certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), incentivizes the adoption of sustainable HVAC practices by offering recognition and financial benefits to projects that meet stringent sustainability criteria. Moreover, the increasing awareness of environmental issues and regulatory requirements underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into HVAC project management. By aligning with regulatory standards and industry best practices, organizations can mitigate risks associated with non-compliance while enhancing their reputation as environmentally responsible entities. While challenges persist, the integration of sustainability into HVAC project management presents significant opportunities for organizations to mitigate environmental impact, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a culture of innovation. By addressing these challenges proactively and leveraging available opportunities, organizations can position themselves as leaders in sustainable HVAC project management.
 Keywords: HVAC, Project Management, Challenges, Sustainability, Review.

LEED applicability in bank branches: A study of the World's first two platinum cases

Environmental, social, and governance frameworks promote climate awareness, driving firms to balance energy-saving with profit. Although green building projects are noteworthy, enhancing the energy efficiency of existing buildings is crucial. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) V4.1 Operations and Maintenance (O + M): Existing Buildings (EB) rating system is favored; however, there is a lack of platinum-level cases and research regarding its applicability within commercial bank branches. This study aims to test the applicability of the rating system in commercial bank branches to achieve platinum-level certification. Two bank branches were selected to ensure reproducible findings. The study elucidates the applicability of the rating system in commercial bank branches; the results for certification levels, certification cost, and certification time all exceeded expectations. These findings were demonstrated through the success cases of E.SUN Commercial Bank's Linyuan and Nanzi branches, which became the world's first two to achieve platinum-level certification. This study summarizes a structured approach, enabling both branches to keep the certification costs under 1.42 % of the total construction cost, reduce the certification application time by 21 %, and attain platinum-level certification. The structured approach and insights derived from the application process, as illustrated in this study, provide a replicable and reproducible model for other commercial bank branches worldwide.

Spatial Model for Energy Consumption of LEED-Certified Buildings

In this research endeavor, we undertook a comprehensive examination of the factors influencing the energy consumption of LEED-certified buildings, employing both a general linear regression model and a spatial delayed regression model. Gaining a profound understanding of energy utilization patterns within LEED-certified structures can significantly contribute to advancing eco-friendly construction practices. Our investigation draws upon data from a 2010 study conducted at the University of Wisconsin—Madison (UW), encompassing various independent variables, such as temperature, that exhibit some degree of correlation with energy consumption in LEED-certified buildings. The principal objective of this study is twofold: firstly, to ascertain the significance of specific exogenous variables, notably temperature, and secondly, to explore the impact of spatial factors, such as function and location, on energy usage. Our research framework encompasses meticulous data collection and rigorous analysis, culminating in the presentation and discussion of our findings. Notably, our study unveils intriguing insights. Contrary to conventional assumptions, we discovered that the energy consumption of LEED-certified buildings does not exhibit a robust linear association with average annual temperature, the count of power plants within a 50 mile radius, or the LEED rating itself. However, our spatial regression models unveil a compelling narrative: the geographic distribution and functional diversity of distinct LEED buildings wield discernible influence over energy consumption patterns. The implications of our research resonate profoundly in the realm of LEED-certified building design and construction. Architects, builders, and stakeholders should consider the nuanced interplay of spatial variables and geographical positioning in the pursuit of optimal energy efficiency. Moreover, our findings stimulate further inquiry in this field, paving the way for future investigations aimed at refining sustainable building practices and enhancing our understanding of energy consumption within LEED-certified structures.

Energy saving and Green building Certification: Case study of commercial buildings in Warsaw, Poland

Different certification systems are used in the construction market. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) certification consists of many factors and criteria that have been developed by specialists from such as construction, architecture, ecology, energy, water, renewable energy management, and waste management. Both are criteria-based tools and are becoming increasingly popular in the global construction industry. The LEED provides building owners and managers with tools to identify and implement appropriate solutions for the ecological design, construction, and operation of buildings. BREEAM involves an assessment of the quality and direct impact of buildings on the natural environment. This paper presents a study of retail buildings: (i) Galeria Północna, (ii) Złote Tarasy, and (iii) Westfield Arkadia, located in Warsaw (Poland) certified using a multi-criteria rating system. All buildings were rated highly by the rating system. In this paper, the cases in terms of certification and issues related to the design and construction of these buildings are analyzed and discussed in detail. It was confirmed that the multi-criteria certification systems used made it possible to meet certification requirements while respecting the natural environment.

Spatiotemporal distribution of green-certified buildings and the influencing factors: A study of U.S.

Green building development is a global strategic plan aimed at addressing environmental burdens and reducing energy consumption in the building sector. Currently, research does not adequately reveal the spatiotemporal patterns of green-certified building development and the factors that influence it. To address this gap, this study investigates the dynamic distribution of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified projects in the U.S. by incorporating time effects into spatial regression models. The results reveal that (1) significant regional variations in the spatiotemporal distribution of green-certified buildings (global Moran's index for 2017, 2019 and 2021 are 0.0172, 0.0327 and 0.0622 respectively). (2) Demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, and policymaking factors explain the observed patterns (the mean values of the coefficients of population size, the Caucasian demographic proportion to the total population, income inequality, regional price parity, and average annual temperature were 8236.1383, −18.9113, −533.1024, 365.1813 and 227.1735 respectively). (3) Expedited permitting, reduced fees, and property tax credit or exemption (p-values less than 0.01) are significant policy instruments that promote the implementation of LEED certified projects. The findings offer pivotal insights that enable targeted interventions, informed decisions, and effective resource allocation. Furthermore, it furnishes a reference for strategically siting green building initiatives in the next phase, encompassing zero-energy buildings, green technologies, and low-carbon solutions. Enhancing understanding of complexities in U.S. green-certified building practices, this research acts as an evidence-based cornerstone across sectors. Urban planners can leverage these insights to allocate resources efficiently and steer green-certified projects, for impactful environmental sustainability and community progress. Policymakers can customize incentives based on drivers of adoption, promoting equitable distribution. Meanwhile, construction stakeholders can optimize strategies through decoding temporal and spatial adoption patterns, leading to prudent resource use and project success.

Integrating BIM Processes with LEED Certification: A Comprehensive Framework for Sustainable Building Design

In response to the pressing demand for sustainable building practices within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector, this study investigates the integration of building information modeling (BIM) processes with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system, with a primary focus on enhancing sustainable design strategies. The objectives are twofold: firstly, to comprehensively understand the existing synergies between BIM and LEED, and secondly, to develop innovative methods that facilitate a seamless integration of these two crucial components. The study is structured into four distinct phases, each contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the synergistic relationship between BIM and LEED. In Phase 1, the “LEED-BIM Worksheets” is introduced, versatile tools designed to facilitate sustainable strategy formulation. These worksheets transparently identify roles, assess competencies, estimate certification levels, and enhance communication among stakeholders. Phase 2 highlights the “BIM Uses for Project Phase” diagram, emphasizing interdependencies between BIM uses and processes. This diagram provides insights into collaborative synergies among BIM uses and streamlines process mapping. Phase 3 introduces the “Liv1 Process Map”, a transformative visual representation of the building process. Integrated within building execution plans (BEPs), this map intricately weaves together responsible parties and BIM uses, fostering cohesive collaboration. Phase 4 extends the research with the introduction of the “Liv.2 Process Map”. This extension integrates selected BIM uses from the LEED Pilot Credits Library, emphasizing alignment between BIM processes and LEED credit criteria. Collectively, this research illuminates the potential for streamlining sustainable practices within the AEC sector. The findings offer valuable insights for both practitioners and researchers, empowering them to navigate the integration of BIM technology with LEED certification. By harmonizing digital transformation with ecological consciousness, this research significantly contributes to advancing sustainable building practices.

From existing conventional building towards LEED certified green building: case study in Bangladesh

Green Building refers to the planning, design, construction, and operation of buildings considering indoor environment quality, occupant health, using energy, water, and other resources more efficiently; and reducing waste, pollution, and the overall environmental impact. Among the Green Building guidelines, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) offers a certification and rating system by which buildings are certified in different categories. The LEED rating system is used to rate an existing building how much it is fulfilling the criteria of Green Building (GB) or not. This research explored how an existing conventional building can be retrofitted to satisfy green building standards. An academic building of KUET has been selected for the study. A field survey and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools (i.e., Focus Group Discussion (FGD), Key Informant Interview (KII)) were used for the data collection and then the data was analyzed by comparative analysis concerning the LEED 2009 rating system for assessing the building. The New Academic building receives 31 points out of 110 and so cannot earn any certification level. The lacking for which the points were not gained is identified and the installation of water and energy efficiency features, rooftop gardening is suggested as retrofitting options to earn the green building certification level.

LEED and BREEAM Green Building Certification Systems as Possible Game Changers in Attaining Low-Cost Energy-Efficient Urban Housing Projects

LEED and BREEAM Green Building Certification Systems as Possible Game Changers in Attaining Low-Cost Energy-Efficient Urban Housing Projects

IS SUSTAINABILITY COSTLY? EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM BUILT PROJECTS

ABSTRACT The affordability of sustainable building remains a significant challenge; developers, building owners, and design teams often point to high construction costs as the primary obstacle hindering the uptake of sustainable building. Because of a lack of clarity, empirical studies and evidence supporting the claim of sustainable building as expensive are inadequate, thus the perceived high cost of sustainable building is still debatable. This study has a three-pronged approach: (1) to collect actual construction costs of certified sustainable buildings, (2) to take a deep dive into construction cost using empirical data and analyze the correlation between the level of sustainability and the construction cost, and (3) to examine the influence of cost components on the total construction cost. Data from 72 LEED buildings was collected and included in the analysis. The findings show the following: (a) the construction costs of the studied sustainable buildings are comparable to those of conventional buildings (even lower); (b) the correlation between the level of sustainability and the construction cost is inconclusive; and (c) soft costs, especially the design cost, have a similar level of influence on the total construction cost as those of hard costs.

Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Healthcare Buildings: A Policy Framework

The healthcare industry significantly impacts the environment due to its high usage of energy and natural resources and the associated waste generation. This study applied a cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) approach to assess the environmental and social life cycles of public hospitals. One hundred twenty-four public hospitals were selected for the current study; their sustainability performance was compared with those certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The comparison revealed several factors contributing to the poor sustainability performance of public hospitals. These include inadequate management, substandard planning, political interference, insufficient staffing and funding, high energy consumption, high expenses, inconsistent healthcare policies, and conventional building designs. System thinking was leveraged, and a causal loop diagram (CLD) was developed to visualize the interdependency of the identified indicators of LCSA. Based on the findings of the study, a policy framework is proposed to guide the development of sustainable healthcare buildings. The framework includes using eco-friendly materials and techniques in construction, harnessing solar energy, improving hospital management practices, promoting public awareness about sustainability, conserving energy and water, and adopting sustainable waste management and transportation. Additionally, it emphasizes addressing social issues such as improving indoor air quality, thermal comfort, lighting, acoustics, patient safety, and security and ensuring that healthcare services are accessible and affordable. This study contributes to the literature on sustainable healthcare buildings by providing a practical policy framework for achieving sustainability in the healthcare sector.

Sustainable Design Approaches of Leed-Certified Healthcare Buildings

Rapidly advancing technology and increasing consumption habits in human needs have increased production and construction. Natural resources and raw materials have been rapidly consumed and the natural environment has been destroyed. The deteriorating ecological balance has caused environmental problems. Realizing that today's humanity and future generations are under threat, the scientific world has turned to environmentalist and sustainable studies in order to prevent environmental problems. For these reasons, in this study, healthcare buildings with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certificate, which is a sustainability certification system, were examined and compared under the main headings of management, energy and atmosphere, material, indoor environmental quality, water, transportation, land and ecology, innovation, pollution, waste management. As a result of the study, it was seen that LEED certified healthcare buildings prioritize materials and water and indoor quality criteria, while the use of natural resources and transportation criteria remain in the background.

In the search for greener buildings: The role of green human resource management

AbstractThe environmental performance of green buildings is receiving attention from built environment stakeholders. We introduce the concept of green human resource management (GHRM) to analyze how the performance gap in green buildings can be minimized using a human‐focused design perspective. We utilize signaling theory and abilities–motivation–opportunity (AMO) theory to explain the interactions between environmental proactivity, GHRM, pro‐environmental behaviors, job performance, and environmental performance. Survey data were collected from 460 employees working in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)‐certified green buildings in India and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings highlight that GHRM is likely to motivate employees to demonstrate pro‐environmental behaviors and be engaged in their jobs. We also find that when organizational‐level goals are effectively communicated, employees can enhance environmental performance in green buildings. Our study makes several contributions, including a framework that developing countries can use to promote environmental sustainability in the workplace.

A Study Using the Hybrid Fuzzy AHP&TOPSIS Method in the Conversion of a LEED-Certified Education Building into a Nearly Zero-Energy Building in a Cold Climate

In cold climate regions, it is essential to design and manufacture energy-efficient buildings for both economic benefits and the reduction of environmental effects by controlling energy consumption. This study aimed to increase the cost-effective energy performance and approach the nearly zero energy building (nZEB) by taking the leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) in the cold climate region of Turkey as a model. The results of single and mixed scenarios that increase energy efficiency were determined by making energy modelling of the building. By applying single and mixed energy efficiency scenarios, a maximum saving of 85.60 % per year in terms of primary energy, an improvement of 83.6 % in terms of global costs and a reduction of 86.4 % in CO2 emissions were obtained compared to the reference building. The payback period of the scenarios is between 3.8 years and 14.53 years. The most suitable single and mixed scenario was determined by a systematic hybrid model, in which the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) methods among multi-criteria decision-making methods are used together. The results showed that economic criteria were decisive in determining the most suitable scenario for cold climate regions. The results of this study revealed that there can be a realistic decision-support model for the creation of energy-efficient buildings for countries without the need for foreign certification.

Computational BIM tool for automated LEED certification process

Building information modeling (BIM) and sustainable building certification integration have been the focus of several studies in recent years, aiming to create a simpler and more effective building certification process. This paper describes a novel computational tool for architects and engineers, considering that the certification process takes place in a work environment that is familiar to them. The goal is to present a method for developing a computational tool that will automate the process of verifying the achievement of certain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits using visual programming in a BIM environment. In this way, designers can have an insight into the achievement of certain LEED credits at any phase during the design process. Considering the complexity of the digital parameterization of LEED credits, this method includes the achievement of three credits listed in the Material and Resources chapter of the LEED for Building Design and Construction protocol. Apart from similar research, the presented tool enables visibility of real-time LEED credits achievement at every moment of the design, from the building concept development to the final stage. The presented method creates space for the elaboration on the other LEED credits, as well as research in the area of applicability to other green rating certification programs and evaluation of existing building stock.

Evaluating BIPV Façades in a Building Envelope in Hot Districts for Enhancing Sustainable Ranking: A Saudi Arabian Perspective

Enhancing contractual construction project documents with sustainability and green building requirements reflects growing concerns for the majority of organizations in hot zone districts. The aim is to provide a healthy, best functional performance, safe environment with occupant comfort, and an efficient building performance as an environmental-friendly building. This research study develops a holistic evaluation system for the façade composite of contractual documents. The aim of the current study was to enhance building energy performance under the sustainability rating system focusing on adapting active envelope energy applications. The research used technical evaluation with energy simulation based PVsyst V7.1.0 software and contractual status evaluation for an ongoing unique case study project in Saudi Arabia. Feasibility analysis was carried out for a sustainable active envelope using the adopted specifications of the Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) façade item instead of the contractual passive item in the Giftedness and Creativity Center project. The project was registered in the sustainability rating system called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The results showed that using BIPV facades as an active renewable energy source enhances building energy performance over the project life cycle. Additionally, it generates 68% of energy demand as a nearly-zero energy project. Several other advantages include lower cost than tender cost without any contractual conflicts, energy savings per year, project upgrade to the platinum certificate, added value to the public investment, CO2 emission reduction, and barrels of oil saved.

Porous Morphology Eco-Efficiency Design Process of a Selected Masterpiece Building and its prospects on the Environment

The characteristic of urbanization, modernization and it effect on the environment has become a disastrous event especially towards the beginning of 20th Century (C). Researches have shown an excessive exploitation of minerals both on and beneath the earth crust were consume every year for the purpose of construction alone. Thus, not only decrease in volume of earth materials but also the impact on environmental thus need attentions. This study observes that the conversion of material; exploitation; energy used during construction; energy associated with heating; cooling; lighting and ventilating commercial buildings have potential consequence on the environment. A selected study of masterpiece building with philosophy of porous structure, which certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in Nigeria, was reviewed. Finding indicate that conceptual design from the school of thought help in setting reasonable objectives at the designing process stage. Also, energy efficient building will reduce wastage of earth materials with alternate source of natural energy, application of natural element other than artificial during building construction and occupancy stage are mitigation strategies to negate aforementioned effect on the environment. Conceptual frameworks with composite notions from various domains were explored to include concept of porosity from medicine among others was utilized, acceptable for maximum lighting, cross ventilation and circulations. Hence, energy efficiency was achieved which is friendly to the environment.

Digital Technologies and Sustainability Assessment: A Critical Review on the Integration Methods between BIM and LEED

In the context of sustainable development and parametric design, it is interesting to analyze the possible synergies between Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the most-used certification scheme for the design, construction, and management of green buildings, and Building Information Modeling (BIM), which supports the supply, integration, and management of information throughout the building life cycle. This paper aims to review the state of the art of the different integration methods between LEED and BIM at the early design phase. Third-party software information exchange, the cloud-BIM approach, and plug-in development using application program interface (API) were considered as possible integration strategies to automate LEED certification by BIM. In addition, optimization models and rule-based methods were analyzed. Finally, a critical review on the limitations, advantages and future research developments in LEED and BIM integration was clearly defined. Although the development of plug-ins was the most powerful integration method, it requires advanced informatics knowledge. On the other hand, using third-party tools increased manual working and checking due to interoperability issues. A visual programming language (VPL) can allow designers and researchers without any informatics knowledge to create parametric BIM models by including LEED requirements.

Towards greener telecommunication towers: A framework for “LEED for telecom towers”

As climate change becomes an urgent issue that must be tackled immediately, several disciplines are making efforts to mitigate its effects. One of the disciplines that must be addressed to mitigate the negative impacts it has on the environment is the installation of telecommunication towers. An ever-increasing number of telecommunication towers may have negative impacts on the environment because of the use of diesel, not environmentally friendly materials or the waves emitted to the surrounding environment. Literature review showed different sustainable approaches that were proposed for use in telecommunication towers. However, there is a gap in having a comprehensive approach for making the overall factors of the telecommunication towers more sustainable. Green rating systems are used as guidelines for making buildings more sustainable. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system is the most widely used green rating system in the world; however, it doesn’t have any guidelines for applying sustainable measures in telecommunication towers. Therefore, this paper proposes a green rating system that is based on LEED’s main categories, to limit the negative impacts telecommunication towers have on the environment. Then, 21 questionnaires were distributed among engineers from various backgrounds in Egypt as a case study to come up with proposed weights for categories and subcategories. The questionnaire analysis is based on Analytical Hierarchy Process. It is concluded that the sustainable site category has the highest weight, as the optimum selection of site would help in improving the overall factors that affect the environmental behavior of the tower.

Selection of the Most Appropriate Sustainable Buildings Assessment Categories and Criteria for Developing Countries: Case of Ethiopia

Sustainable buildings can save 36% of total energy use, 65% of electricity consumption, 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, 30% of raw materials use, 30% of waste output, and 12% of potable water consumption. Several sustainable building assessment tools were used by both developed and developing countries. However, Ethiopia’s buildings were not critically assessed and evaluated from a sustainability point of view because there was no such type of study conducted so far. This paper aims to explore the most significant and widely used tools as well as the basis for other sustainable building assessment tools, such as Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE), Sustainable Building Tool (SBTool), Comprehensive Environmental Performance Assessment Scheme (CEPAS), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen (DGNB), and Green Mark and Green Star. The methodology employed is the selection of the 10 most commonly and widely utilized sustainable building assessment tools (SBATs) from the 57 SBATs based on desk review and document analysis. The results of the study identified that all 10 SBATs have their own assessment categories and criteria based on many factors, such as climatic conditions and availability of resources, plus methods employing demographic dynamics and legal aspects of the sector for assessing the sustainable/green buildings. It distinguishes the most commonly and repeatedly used assessment categories and criteria and uses a consensus-based approach with experts in the building sectors, a four-quadrant model, and a circular and helical flow model, to develop a new sustainable building assessment tool suitable for Ethiopia.

The Building That Teaches: Exploring Augmented Reality Affordances in Academic Incubators

Efforts to enhance the experience of interior environments have led to experimentation with augmented reality (AR) technology to encourage users to participate in the built space using their mobile devices. To investigate the role of AR technologies in interior design experiences, we highlight the interdisciplinary design of a mobile AR-application to assess and enhance the effectiveness of building design strategies for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-Gold academic incubator. Drawing on user feedback data, observations, and in-depth interviews of 15 building occupants, we identified the affordances of mobile-AR for interior design. Our findings suggest approaches for contextualizing post-occupancy user feedback and interior design across the digital-physical spatial continuum and illustrate how AR has the potential to expand the goals of post-occupancy evaluations, beyond improved evaluation to enhancement, by allowing the building to teach occupants about resources while nudging them to utilize spatial features designed to enhance wellness. As hybrid interior environments are becoming more dependent on a convergence of the digital and physical, we found a series of strategies and practices for enhancing user experiences. A key contribution of our research is a framework, grounded in affordance theory, useful for designing and examining hybrid spaces at the intersection of AR and interior design.