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 ratingāan A Energy Performance Certificateāuse more energy than some of their peers rated C, D, E, or F.Ā 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 donāt 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 useĀ moreĀ 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
Concrete | Jun 7, 2016
Concrete Institute publishes document providing concrete curing guidance
New curing monitoring techniques included. Ā
Energy | Jun 7, 2016
Energy modeling payback typically as short as one to two months
Energy modeling isĀ a āno-brainerālike checking MPG on a carā
Green | Jun 2, 2016
USGBC offers new LEED pilot credit: Building Material Human Hazard and Exposure Assessment
For assessing human health-related exposure scenarios for construction products.
Resiliency | Jun 1, 2016
Federal agencies boost standards for more resilient construction
HUD, FEMA, GSA, Army Corps of Engineers make policy changes. Ā Ā
Green | May 31, 2016
Miami Beach requires developers to meet green standards or pay a fee
Applies to structures larger than 7,000 sf. Ā
Codes and Standards | May 27, 2016
Better enforcement needed for successful implementation of energy efficiency policies
Commercial buildings the focus of recent code initiatives. Ā
Codes and Standards | May 25, 2016
LEED Dynamic is worth the effort, says commercial real estate executive
San Diego office tower is Californiaās first office building to receive LEED Dynamic plaque in recertification. Ā
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2016
Ontario planning to spend $7 billion on wide-ranging climate change plan
Includes financial incentives to retrofit buildings. Ā
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2016
Facility managers say Internet of Things, analytics will impact maintenance soon
More reliable data needed for optimal results from the technology. Ā
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2016
Industry leaders call for wider use of bamboo as a building material
Benefits include seismic resiliency and sustainability. Ā