A new regulation by the U.S. Department of Energy mandates which private-sector green building certifications can be used in federal buildings to meet energy-efficiency standards. The rule, which goes into effect Nov. 13, says that when agencies use green building certification systems to meet federal sustainability standards, they must choose a system that verifies enhanced energy and water efficiency.
LEED Silver may be used, and in some instances, the Green Globes program may be substituted.
The private-sector certifications do not replace the government’s green building standards, but as required under 2007’s major energy law, the regulation provides federal agencies and private real estate companies an alternative way of certifying compliance. The department is allowing LEED Silver under the rule because Congress dictated it in the law.
A requirement provides for building re-assessments at least every four years to ensure energy and water savings continue well beyond the initial building opening or retrofit, the agency says. DOE will provide a webinar discussing the rule’s requirements in November.
Related Stories
| Feb 20, 2012
Comment period for update to USGBC's LEED Green Building Program now open
This third draft of LEED has been refined to address technical stringency and rigor, measurement and performance tools, and an enhanced user experience.
| Feb 20, 2012
GAF introduces web portal for architects and specifiers
The new portal offers a clean look with minimal clutter to make it easier to find the technical information and product data that architects need.
| Feb 17, 2012
AGC advocates for federal procurement reform
Ensure that small business goals take into consideration actual small business capacity in relevant specialty markets.
| Feb 17, 2012
Codes not to blame for Anchorage roof collapses following heavy snows
Design or construction problems likely contributed to the collapses, according to city officials.
| Feb 17, 2012
Comment period opens March 1 for LEED 2012 update
USGBC says that LEED's strength comes from its continuous evolution.
| Feb 17, 2012
OSHA training videos on proper respirator use available online
17 short videos to help workers learn about the proper use of respirators on the job.
| Feb 17, 2012
Union/employer collaboration on the rise aimed at exceeding OSHA safety standards
Unions have learned to help employers win contracts with bids made competitive through good safety practices.
| Feb 16, 2012
Gain greater agility and profitability with ArchiCAD BIM software
White paper was written with the sole purpose of providing accurate, reliable information about critical issues related to BIM and what ArchiCAD with advanced technology such as the GRAPHISOFT BIM Server provide as an answer to address these issues.