flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Energy efficiency ratings not reflecting true energy use

Codes and Standards

Energy efficiency ratings not reflecting true energy use

Highest rated U.K. buildings are less efficient than lower rated ones.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | February 7, 2022
Energy efficiency rating

Courtesy Pixabay

Recent findings from the Better Buildings Partnership raise serious questions about the efficacy of energy efficiency ratings used in the United Kingdom.

The study found that buildings that have received the highest rating—an A Energy Performance Certificate—use more energy than some of their peers rated C, D, E, or F. The analysis of self-reported energy data in 2020 for more than 1,100 commercial properties found that the median energy intensity for all B-rated buildings is higher than for C-rated buildings.

The disparity between how buildings are designed and their actual greenhouse gas emissions is widespread in the U.K. The findings are in line with past evidence that green building certifications based on predicted energy use don’t necessarily translate to energy savings in the field.

Some studies have found that LEED certification yields better energy efficiency, but others have found that certified buildings use more energy than non-certified buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council maintains that its own research shows certified buildings are overall more efficient.

Part of the explanation for the disparity between ratings systems and real-world results could be due to the limitation of assessments that only predict potential energy efficiency. In practice, building management systems may not be set up or used properly. In addition, people sometimes undo the efficiency design by bringing fans into buildings or installing additional air conditioners.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2016

U.S. lumber industry pushes for import duties on Canadian softwood

The industry claims the product is being sold below fair market value.

Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2016

International Construction Measurement Standards draft released

The goal is to improve consistency for calculating costs and reducing risk.

Codes and Standards | Dec 2, 2016

D.C. Council passes bill to reduce number of blighted properties

The new legislation reduces the amount of time a vacant property can qualify for a lower tax rate.

Codes and Standards | Dec 1, 2016

Passive House standard gaining influence in commercial sector

Some industry watchers predict it will become the base building code. 

Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2016

Researchers finding solutions to bird/building collisions

Glass facades pose a serious risk to birds and cause millions of avian deaths each year.

Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2016

New OSHA rules to reduce fall and trip hazards

Employers can choose from a variety of fall protection systems.

Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2016

Seattle imposes new construction regulation to address rat problem

The city ranks first in U.S. in rat population.

Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2016

Construction groups sue New York City over crane safety regulation

The rule bans cranes from operating when wind exceeds 30 mph.

Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2016

Marines plan first net zero energy military base

The Albany, Ga., site will have ground source heat pumps and a biomass generator.

Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2016

Mahesh Ramanujam takes reins as U.S. Green Building Council President and CEO

Ramanujam brings his tech and business consulting background to the post.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021