A report by the New Buildings Institute highlights where LEED certification aids in the goal of achieving net zero energy.
“Getting to Zero Status Update and List of Zero Energy (“ZE”) Projects for 2018” is a digest of almost 500 certified, verified and emerging zero energy projects in the U.S. and Canada. The analysis shows that 70% ZE Verified projects are LEED-certified or registered with LEED. Most of those reached either Platinum or Gold certification levels.
A LEED v4 credit for projects that achieve increasing levels of energy performance beyond standard requirements encourages aggressive reductions in energy usage, the report says. More points are awarded proportionally with higher levels of improvement from the baseline. For example, a new construction project that demonstrates a 50% reduction in energy usage from the baseline has the opportunity to earn as many as 18 points.
Nearly all of the LEED Energy and Atmosphere credits support the advanced energy performance necessary for zero energy. LEED v4 requires and rewards energy efficiency through a whole-building energy simulation or prescriptive compliance with ASHRAE or other rigorous energy standards and methods.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2020
Labor supply and capability of workers worry contractors
Three out of four firms plan to add workers in 2020.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2020
Car-free streets could become common in major cities
New York and San Francisco establish thoroughfares dedicated to transit, pedestrians.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2020
CRE professionals have increased interest in embodied carbon accounting, smart buildings
Survey also shows that interest in resiliency lags behind.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2020
White paper focuses on Metal Composite Material labeling
Document part of effort to uphold industry standards for the product.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2019
Hard Rock Hotel collapse in New Orleans puts spotlight on undocumented workers
Having helped rebuild the city after Hurricane Katrina, many under threat of deportation.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2019
Maryland lawmakers take on blocked sidewalks during construction projects
Legislation clarifies developers’ responsibilities.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2019
New York City passes legislation to prevent bird strikes on buildings
Requires bird-safe materials on first 75 feet of a structure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 16, 2019
New Buildings Institute seeks entries for Zero Buildings Database
Listing illustrates feasibility of ultra low-energy buildings.
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2019
USGBC launches new tool to prioritize sustainability strategies
Highlights building design features that can lead to better performance.
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2019
Coalition calls for consistent building data disclosure regulations in Canada
Major real estate firms are driving the effort.