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
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2020
American Concrete Institute releases 2020 codes, specifications, and practices
ACI Collection features guidance on structural concrete construction and rehabilitation.
Codes and Standards | Feb 25, 2020
New ISO standard for optimizing building use and reusing and recycling components released
Aim is to realize full potential value of a building throughout its life cycle.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2020
Architects push back on proposed uniform design mandate for federal architecture
AIA speaks out against measure.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2020
City-owned buildings to go carbon-free in Los Angeles
Mayor commits to goal for new and extensively renovated structures.
Codes and Standards | Feb 19, 2020
Public is willing to volunteer to maintain green infrastructure
Perceived benefits make residents willing to help public works departments.
Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2020
Recent Dept. of Energy grants emphasize grid-interactive building technology
National labs, universities, businesses selected for total of $74 million in funding.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2020
At least 13 states create incentives for utilities to use demand response programs
Practice optimizes power grid, incorporates more renewable power.
Codes and Standards | Feb 13, 2020
Living Future Institute’s JUST program helps measure progress on sustainability, social justice
Functions as a transparency platform for organizations to disclose their operations.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2020
Commercial Building Energy Saver Wins R&D 100 Award
Software toolkit enables access to deep energy retrofit and zero-net energy strategies.
Codes and Standards | Feb 11, 2020
Fenestration Rating Council launches faster energy performance testing system
New windows, doors, and skylights will get to market faster.