scholarly journals Improving the Link Between the LEED Green Building Label and a Building's Energy-Related Environmental Metrics

2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Christopher Wedding ◽  
Douglas Crawford-Brown
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Probabilistic Models ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Market Change ◽  
Leed Certification ◽  
Certification Programs ◽  
The Us ◽  
Leed Buildings

The US Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating program has grown from a little known tool for market change to a label and brand relied upon by many of the largest players in real estate. It now serves as an indicator of sustainability and an instrument for environmental management. While LEED-certified buildings tend to offer greater environmental benefits than their conventional counterparts, research and experience shows that the variation in and magnitude of these benefits varies, even among buildings of the same LEED certification level. In light of growing concerns about “greenwashing” and the liability associated with questionable environmental declarations, it is important to ensure that users of LEED and similar certification programs receive a set of benefits comparable to those expected. With a focus on energy-related issues, this research (1) highlights evidence of the inconsistency between the expected and actual benefits of LEED buildings, (2) suggests revisions to LEED's Energy & Atmosphere (EA) section to reduce the variation and magnitude in the energy-related environmental impacts from LEED buildings, (3) quantifies this reduction in variation and magnitude of impacts using Monte Carlo analyses and probabilistic models created specifically for this research, (4) compares carbon dioxide emissions from LEED buildings to the Architecture 2030 Challenge goals and (5) quantifies the importance of scoring LEED buildings on a per capita normalized basis. This research is a follow-up piece to the authors' previous work published in the Journal of Green Building (Wedding and Crawford-Brown 2007).

ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF CAMPUS LEED® BUILDINGS: IMPLICATIONS FOR GREEN BUILDING AND ENERGY POLICY

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Chen ◽  
Lauren Kleinman ◽  
Aparna Dial
Keyword(s):  
Green Building ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Leed Certification ◽  
Leed Buildings ◽  
High Level

Many university campuses in the United States are working toward their sustainable goals by adopting energy or green building policies, which require Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification for new construction and major renovation projects. Because LEED certification heavily relies on whole building energy simulation to demonstrate building energy performance improvement, it is often assumed that the finished buildings will achieve the predicted level of energy efficiency. This paper presents a study that compares the energy model predictions with actual energy performance of three LEED buildings on a university campus. The study shows that one of the campus LEED buildings consumed twice the predicted energy usage while causing a high level of occupant dissatisfaction. Further investigation reveals a variety of contributing factors for these issues and provides insights to improve green building policy and practice. Not only are the research findings important for this particular campus (Ohio State University) on its way to sustainability, they also have widespread ramifications for other university campuses.

scholarly journals Economic and Technical Considerations in Pursuing Green Building Certification: A Case Study from Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 719
Author(s):  
Ali Amiri ◽  
Juudit Ottelin ◽  
Jaana Sorvari ◽  
Seppo Junnila
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Leed Certification ◽  
Western Asia ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Technical Considerations

Buildings use 30–40% of all energy resources and are thus the main consumers in modern society. Moreover, buildings require a vast amount of different raw materials. During the last two decades, several green building certifications have been created in order to consider the social, economic, and environmental aspects of the sustainability of buildings. One of the most famous and widely used of these certifications is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). So far, the use of LEED has concentrated in the US and other developed countries. One reason that restricts the use of this point-based system certification in developing countries is the limited data about its costs. In this study, the extra cost of the certification process were evaluated, besides the changes needed in the design of the building to reach the points required by LEED. At the first stage, the number of points the case study earns in its current format (Scenario 1) were assessed, then the cost difference of getting either the Certified (Scenario 2) or Silver (Scenario 3) level LEED certification for the building was studied. It was found that besides some technical considerations, filling the criteria of the Certified and Silver level increases the total costs of construction by 3.4% and 5.9%, respectively. Further improvement of the building’s energy efficiency would enable the attainment of a higher-level certification. The results of the study could help to promote the use of green building certifications in Western Asia.

scholarly journals Lighting Quality and Acoustic Quality in LEED-Certified Buildings Using Occupant Evaluation

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young S Lee
Keyword(s):  
Job Performance ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Environmental Design ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Leed Certification ◽  
Worker Satisfaction ◽  
The Us ◽  
Acoustic Quality ◽  
Building Practice ◽  
The Relationship

Lighting quality and acoustic quality are often not well addressed in the current green building practice, including the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System in the US. While the level of LEED certification indicates the level of sustainability, it is not clear if a higher level of LEED certification also implies a more comfortable and productive work environment. The study intended to find the relationship between the level of LEED certification and the level of worker satisfaction and perceived job performance regarding lighting quality and acoustic quality from fifteen LEED-certified buildings. The findings indicate that the LEED Platinum building group tended to provide better lighting quality than the other lower certification groups, while the LEED Gold building group showed lower lighting quality and acoustic quality than the rest of the groups. Workplace designers and organizations should be mindful of the importance of lighting and acoustic qualities in promoting better comfort and productivity as it is easy to overlook these criteria when complying with LEED IEQ guidelines.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Residential Project in Light Steel Framing According to LEED for Homes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiza Morselli ◽  
Stífany Knop ◽  
Osvaldo Luis Vieira Faria ◽  
robson andreazza
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Green Building ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Renewable Materials ◽  
Leed Certification ◽  
Construction Methods ◽  
Steel Framing ◽  
Lighting Systems

Abstract The construction industry is responsible for high energy consumption, high carbon dioxide emissions, high extraction of non-renewable materials, and large generation of solid waste in the world.The use of prefabricated, industrialized, and technological construction methods can reduce environmental impacts.This research aimed to analyze a single-family residential project in the construction system in Light Steel Framing (LSF), to be implemented in southern Brazil, regarding the prerequisites and credits of the environmental certification Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes of the Green Building Council (GBC) Brazil Homes.For this, it was necessary to apply the Technical Quality Regulation for the Energy Efficiency Level for Homes, achieving the A-level classification in this analysis, with 5.06 final points.Therefore, it was considered the constitution of the building wrap in LSF, the energy efficiency of the materials used, the water heating and lighting systems. The external sealing system used in the residence was the External Insulated Finish System, and the acoustic and thermal insulation occurred through the use of glass wool on the walls and lining. In order to obtain the highest level of LEED certification, the project has received suggestions for improvements. The project obtained 60 final points in the analysis, which would allow the achievement of the gold certification seal.

scholarly journals Economic and Technical Considerations in Pursuing Green Building Certification: A Case Study from Iran

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Amiri ◽  
Juudit Ottelin ◽  
Jaana Sorvari ◽  
Seppo Junnila
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Leed Certification ◽  
Western Asia ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Technical Considerations

Buildings use 30-40 % of all energy resources and are thus their main consumers in modern society. Moreover, buildings require a vast amount of different raw materials. During the last two decades, several green building certifications have been created in order to consider social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainability of buildings. One of the most famous and widely used of these certifications is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). So far, the use of LEED has concentrated in the US and other developed countries. One reason that restricts the use of this point-based system certification in developing countries is the limited data about its costs. In this study, the extra cost of the certification process will be evaluated besides the changes needed in the design of the building to reach the points required by LEED. At the first stage, the number of points the case study earns in its current format (Scenario 1) were found out, then the cost difference of getting either the Certified (Scenario 2) or Silver (Scenario 3) level LEED certification for the building was studied. It was found that besides some technical considerations, filling the criteria of the Certified and Silver level increases the total costs of construction by 3.4% and 5.9%. Further improvement of the building’s energy efficiency would enable the attainment of a higher-level certification. The results of the study could help to promote the use of green building certifications in Western Asia.

STATE INDEPENDENT ENERGY RATINGS THAT HAVE INFLUENCED THE CREATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LAW

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-68
Author(s):  
Harald Kraus ◽  
◽  
Larisa Muntean ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Local Governments ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Leed Certification ◽  
Certification Programs ◽  
Industry Standards ◽  
New Public ◽  
New Construction ◽  
Construction Operation

For more Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is one of the most popular green building certification programs used worldwide.[7] Developed by the non-profit U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) it includes a set of rating systems for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green buildings, homes, and neighborhoods[8] that aims to help building owners and operators be environmentally responsible and use resources efficiently. From 1994 to 2015, LEED grew from one standard for new construction to a comprehensive system of interrelated standards covering aspects from the design and construction to the maintenance and operation of buildings. LEED also has grown from six volunteers on one committee to 119,924 staff, volunteers and professionals.[9] LEED standards have been applied to approximately 83,452 registered and certified LEED projects worldwide, covering around 13.8 billion square feet (1.28 billion square meters).[10] Many U.S. federal agencies and states and local governments require or reward LEED certification. However, four states (Alabama, Georgia, Maine, and Mississippi) have effectively banned the use of LEED in new public buildings, preferring other industry standards that the USGBC considers too lax.[11]

What's eating North America's edible insect industry? An examination of psychological, cultural and regulatory barriers

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Christl Li ◽  
Sean B. Cash ◽  
Julie Lesnik ◽  
Timothy S. Griffin ◽  
Joel Mason ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
The Us ◽  
Structural Barrier ◽  
Regulatory Barriers ◽  
Specific Regulation

Abstract Although research has demonstrated the positive nutritional value and environmental benefits associated with edible insect consumption, several factors challenge the growth and development of the edible insect industry for human consumption in the US and Canada. Cultural and psychological factors account for much of the aversion US and Canadian consumers display. The absence of specific regulation also constitutes a structural barrier to more widespread production and sale of edible insects. Compared to the US, the European Union has a more developed edible insect industry and has enacted legislation that removes some of the barriers. As consumer awareness of the putative health benefits of edible insects increases, more comprehensive regulations may emerge to keep pace with the growth of this industry. Overall, a multi-disciplinary approach that addresses both benefits and barriers to consumption is needed to facilitate a robust market for edible insects in the US and Canada.

scholarly journals Low HbA1c levels and all-cause or cardiovascular mortality among people without diabetes: the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2015

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kosuke Inoue ◽  
Roch Nianogo ◽  
Donatello Telesca ◽  
Atsushi Goto ◽  
Vahe Khachadourian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Mortality ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Us ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Hba1c Levels

Abstract Objective It is unclear whether relatively low glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels are beneficial or harmful for the long-term health outcomes among people without diabetes. We aimed to investigate the association between low HbA1c levels and mortality among the US general population. Methods This study includes a nationally representative sample of 39 453 US adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 1999–2014, linked to mortality data through 2015. We employed the parametric g-formula with pooled logistic regression models and the ensemble machine learning algorithms to estimate the time-varying risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by HbA1c categories (low, 4.0 to <5.0%; mid-level, 5.0 to <5.7%; prediabetes, 5.7 to <6.5%; and diabetes, ≥6.5% or taking antidiabetic medication), adjusting for 72 potential confounders including demographic characteristics, lifestyle, biomarkers, comorbidities and medications. Results Over a median follow-up of 7.5 years, 5118 (13%) all-cause deaths, and 1116 (3%) cardiovascular deaths were observed. Logistic regression models and machine learning algorithms showed nearly identical predictive performance of death and risk estimates. Compared with mid-level HbA1c, low HbA1c was associated with a 30% (95% CI, 16 to 48) and a 12% (95% CI, 3 to 22) increased risk of all-cause mortality at 5 years and 10 years of follow-up, respectively. We found no evidence that low HbA1c levels were associated with cardiovascular mortality risk. The diabetes group, but not the prediabetes group, also showed an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Conclusions Using the US national database and adjusting for an extensive set of potential confounders with flexible modelling, we found that adults with low HbA1c were at increased risk of all-cause mortality. Further evaluation and careful monitoring of low HbA1c levels need to be considered.

scholarly journals Ultrasound-guided implantation of radioactive 125I seed in radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Chen ◽  
Yu kun Luo ◽  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Qing Song ◽  
Jie Tang
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Carcinoma ◽  
Reduction Rate ◽  
Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma ◽  
Comprehensive Treatment ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Ultrasound Guided ◽  
Contrast Enhanced ◽  
The Us ◽  
Median Volume

Abstract Background Treatment for radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma (RR-DTC) is challenging. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided implantation of radioactive 125I-seed in radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Methods Thirty-six cervical metastatic lymph nodes (CMLNs) diagnosed with RR-DTC from 18 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. US and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) examinations were performed before implantation. Follow-up comprised US, CEUS, thyroglobulin (Tg) level and routine hematology at 1–3, 6, 9 and 12 months and every 6 months thereafter. The volumes of the nodules were compared before implantation and at each follow-up point. The volume reduction rate (VRR) of nodules was also recorded. Results The median volume of the nodules was 523 mm3 (148, 2010mm3) initially, which decreased significantly to 53mm3 (0, 286mm3) (P < 0.01) at the follow-up point of 24 months with a median VRR as 95% (86,100%). During the follow-up period (the range was 24–50 months), 25 (69%) nodules had VRR greater than 90%, of which 12 (33%) nodules had VVR ≈ 100% with unclear structures and only 125I seed images were visible in the US. At the last follow-up visit, the serum Tg level decreased from 57.0 (8.6, 114.8) ng/ml to 4.9 (0.7, 50.3) ng/ml, (P < 0.01). Conclusion US-guided 125I seed implantation is safety and efficacy in treating RR- DTC. It could be an effective supplement for the comprehensive treatment of thyroid cancer.

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