Building on LEED Improving the evaluation of ‘green bulidings’ Erika Larsen Kathryn King Likwan Cheng Alp Esener

Buildings are a key source of US energy use Residential and commercial buildings are key contributors to energy use and environmental damage 5 Billion gallons of potable water are used to flush toilets. Typical jobsite creates 2.5 pounds/sf of solid waste. 20% of fresh water species faced extinction over the last several decades. Sourced from: and

LEED point system was develop to add greater transparency and structure LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design A point based site/design/construction certification system Designed by US Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1998 Intended to be a “whole building approach” to take into account interactions in energy use/emissions within the building design Define “green” by providing a standard for measurement Prevent “greenwashing” (false or exaggerated claims) Stimulate green competition Reduce building’s impacts on the Environment Raise consumer awareness Background Goals

LEED is a “menu-driven” system with 6 categories and 69 possible points CategoryPurpose Points possible Sustainable Sites Reduce environmental damage by encouraging more sustainable means of transport 1 prerequisite 14 possible points Water Efficiency Encourage more efficient use of water and waste treatment 5 possible points Energy and Atmosphere Optimize energy use by encouraging more green and on-site renewable energy Encourage reductions in emissions and refrigerants 3 prerequisites 17 possible points Materials and resources Encourages use of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials in construction and renovation. 1 prerequisite 13 possible points Indoor Environmental Quality Encourage standards and products that reduce health risks to occupants 2 prerequisites 15 possible points Innovation and Design Incentivize adherence to LEED design code, e.g., including LEED certified member in process 5 possible points LEED Certification Type Min-Max Points Certified26-32 Silver33-38 Gold39-51 Platinum52-60

There are several benefits of the LEED model Overall (across building types) Economic Health & Safety Initial premium is estimated under 5%, less with proper education In one case study, market value increased $4 for every $1 invested in green improvements In another case study, waste management and cleaning costs decreased from $1.87 to $1.16/sq. ft Also linked to retail sales and workplace productivity increases (2-16%) People on average spend 90% of time indoors Contaminants indoors can be 2 to 5x worse than outdoors Sickness as a result of improper cleaning estimated to cause more than $ bn annually in productivity losses Sourced from: ppt#273,10,Examples of Customer Value

As a result, LEED projects and USGBC memberships have steadily increased LEED Projects have increased steadily across all type of buildings And USGBC membership growth has reflected this expansion Sourced from:

Current Critiques of LEED 2.2 LEED was initially designed to be a helpful tool, not a mandate Inequitable points: The LEED point system awards 1 point for most project items. Does not weigh more cost-effective or energy efficient schemes more heavily. Administrative drawbacks: Can take up to 300 days to become certified. Documentation can take up to 225 hours to fully complete and be verified.

A new version has been released for A new version has been released for public comment. public comment. Our project will evaluate the energy Our project will evaluate the energy and atmosphere section looking at : and atmosphere section looking at : Point distribution Point distribution Labs Labs LEED 3.0

Energy and Atmosphere Energy Section is 24% of total points Energy section is 35% of total points Minimum Energy Performance 14% Minimum Energy Performance 10% Need to increase energy performance by 3.5% to receive additional points Need to increase energy performance by 4.0 % to receive additional points LEED 2.2LEED 3.0

Energy and Atmosphere LEED 2.2 Percent Energy Savings = Performance Baseline – Predicted Performance 100 x ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Performance Baseline

Energy and Atmosphere LEED 2.2

Energy and Atmosphere LEED 2.2

LCC Method Sourced from : Energy Star Savings Calculator Calculate costs based region, type of fuel used, over the life of the product. Discount by a 4% rate. Calculate the savings on an energy efficient product compared to a conventional product.

LCC comparison Sourced from : Energy Star Savings Calculator Two products that are both designed to provide an 18% energy efficiency. However have very different economic impacts.

LCA Method Sourced from : BEES software. NOTE: A lower score is better The LCA method is calculated by looking at the all necessary inputs during the life of a product. This number can is calculated by different software such as BEES TRACI or GABI. The software is able to trace out different areas of interest such as energy input or GHG emissions over the life of the product.

LCA Case study: PV solar panel Sourced from : GABI software The energy used during the life cycle of the BOS is not included in the current LEED point structure.

LCA Case Study: PC solar system Sourced from : BEES software The GHG emission created during the life cycle of the BOS is not included in the current LEED point structure.

LCA LEED point Sourced from : BEES software The most sustainable LEED point system would weight according to the LCC (economic Impact) and the LCA (environmental impact)

Costs and Benefits of LCC and LCA CostsBenefits ComplexityAccurate Environmental Impact Building Data Bases Fully Sustainable Approach Training

LEED For Laboratory Buildings? Electricity Usage by Building Types (kWh/sf) School Office Lab Laboratory buildings – –Energy intensive –More complex –Greater variability in operation schedules LEED-Application Guide for Laboratories…under development.

Energy Savings Measures Automatic Sash Controller Variable Air Volume System Settings (Sash Height; Fan Power) 6 to 0.25 in 1.8 W/cfm 1.8 to 0.8 W/cfm 6 in Annual Energy Savings5,765 kBtu2,263 kBtu LEED Points Based on Annual Energy Savings 10.4 Present Value of Life-Time Cost Savings (15 years; 5%) $10,065$1,839 Net Benefits$8,565$839 LEED Points Based on LT Net Benefits 10.1 Fuel Savings72 MBtu0 Present Value of LT Carbon Cost Savings (15 years; 5%) $3500 Net Benefits + Carbon Cost Savings $8,915$839 LEED Points Based on LT Net Benefits + Carbon Cost Savings 10.1 Savings-Based LEED Point Allocation: Lab Fume Hood Energy Use as Function of Sash Position and Fan Power Based on LNBL Model

QUESTIONS? QUESTIONS?