An executive with the Irvine Companies, owner of Symphony Tower, California’s first office building to receive a LEED Dynamic plaque in its recertification, says the work it took to achieve the designation was worth the effort.
Chris Popma told GlobeSt.com that earning the plaque was the result of environmental performance strategies that were measured for effectiveness over time. The rating agency examined total energy usage, total potable water usage for the whole building, total waste generated and diverted from the landfill, transportation surveys from customers, and other factors.
The building was already operating at high environmental performance levels, Popma said, so little additional work was needed. Irvine’s marketing strategy is linked to strong efficiency and sustainability performance, so reaching for the plaque made good business sense. Buildings that do not perform at high levels would require much more investment to achieve LEED Dynamic certification.
Previous LEED certifications gave points for having green items in place, but the green features may not actually be operating optimally. LEED Dynamic looks at the actual data of water and power consumption. The plaque’s performance score is continually updated.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2017
Method of estimating amount of CO2 by building occupants may be inaccurate
New research suggests current estimates may be off by as much as 25%.
Codes and Standards | May 8, 2017
National Fenestration Rating Council’s new U-factor standard open for public comment
Member-approved ballot change to NFRC 100 comments to close on May 28.
Codes and Standards | May 4, 2017
Millennials’ views on sustainability could influence the workplace
Nine out of ten say it is important that they work for a company committed to sustainability.
Codes and Standards | May 3, 2017
New York State extends design-build authority
The legislation includes eight additional projects.
Codes and Standards | May 2, 2017
U.S. announces preliminary tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber
The rates range from 3% to 24% per producer.
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2017
New York man alleged to have posed as licensed architect faces possible prison time
He is charged with defrauding construction companies, business owners, and local governments.
Codes and Standards | Apr 27, 2017
Extensive list of plug load efficiency utility incentives available for free download
The Dept. of Energy resource is a state-by-state compilation with hundreds of listings.
Codes and Standards | Apr 26, 2017
Chicago commits to 100% renewable power for all city buildings
In doing so, it becomes largest U.S. city to make such a pledge.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2017
Concerns over increased construction costs following Trump executive orders
‘Buy American’ requirement and revised H-1B visa restrictions could raise prices on supplies, labor.
Codes and Standards | Apr 24, 2017
‘Staggering delays, exorbitant costs’ in New York City library, cultural building construction
Study finds significant problems with how city manages capital projects.