A new study from Carnegie Mellon University found that LEED-certified federal buildings are not using less energy than non-certified federal buildings.
The finding may be due to trade-offs in how their energy score is developed with energy use being just one of many attributes examined by the LEED program. In some cases, owners and developers may trade off energy savings for other goals to improve design and comfort in buildings.
For example, energy consumption from sensors in water-efficient bathrooms and landscaping systems may reduce building energy efficiency. “If energy efficiency is the primary policy goal, LEED certification may not be the most effective means to reach that goal,” according to the study’s report.
Overall energy consumption also depends on usage. If the building is used more after a renovation, then more energy may be consumed.
The study examined 1990-2019 data from GSA’s Energy Usage Analysis System and the Green Building Information Gateway to consider the impact of LEED certification on federal buildings.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2016
Historic preservation moving beyond saving grand old buildings
National Trust for Historic Preservation CEO says the focus is on saving cities, not just buildings
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2016
Los Angeles voters will decide whether high-density developments should be harder to build
A March vote on the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative would put 2-year ban on zoning changes
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2016
New sustainable landscape development and management credential launched
GBCI offered the first testing opportunity Oct. 3 at Greenbuild
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2016
Obama administration will spend $80 million for smart cities initiatives
The technology is targeted for climate, transportation, resiliency.
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2016
New York City files criminal charges on owner for deadly building façade accident
The owner allegedly did not heed warning about danger of the crumbling exterior.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2016
New York becomes the first city to adopt a target for energy storage
Mayor de Blasio also announces increased solar generation goals
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2016
New global residential floor space measurement standard unveiled
The new standards will produce better transparency and are said to benefit investors.
Codes and Standards | Sep 29, 2016
Dept. of Energy forecasts big jump in LED use, resulting energy savings
Big gains are expected in both commercial and residential markets.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2016
San Francisco commercial, multifamily regulations aim to reduce traffic volume
City planners will require design features to cut miles driven.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2016
Society of Landscape Architects releases guide to resilient design
The goal is to retrofit communities to better withstand extreme weather events.