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 | Feb 27, 2017
Green building saves operating costs and boosts asset value
A new report shows 14% cost savings and a 7% increase in value when green standards are met.
Codes and Standards | Feb 24, 2017
Scant data hampering energy, water efficiency at sports venues
New NIBS report says baseline information needs further development.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2017
Plans for WELL Building Standard include linkage with other green building standards
The planned updated version will be customizable for any building type.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2017
Aging building code inspectors and government belt-tightening could cause crisis
Inspectors are edging toward retirement with no understudies in place.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2017
AISI publishes three new cold-formed steel framing research reports
Seismic simulation, roof trusses, steel-to-steel and sheathing-to-steel connections are examined in the reports.
Codes and Standards | Feb 17, 2017
New energy design guide for metal building systems now available
The second edition incorporates more recent IECC and ASHRAE standards.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2017
Paper outlines how BREEAM credits can be used for WELL standard compliance
The paper provides guidance on how to streamline pursuit of dual certification.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2017
Evidence mounts on health, productivity benefits of sustainable work spaces
High-performance green buildings are linked to better job performance.
Codes and Standards | Feb 13, 2017
Calif. commission approves ‘emergency’ balcony code changes
The changes apply to multifamily, hotels, state-owned buildings, and public schools.
Codes and Standards | Feb 9, 2017
Google-initiated program aims to get construction industry to use healthier building materials
Portico platform features a database of products ranked on how they disclose ingredients.
