The green building fad plays a key role in promoting energy savings, but does it do so at the expense of human health?

In the last 6 years, there has been a significant shift in the U.S. Green Building Council LEED rating system. This shift has been marked by an increased emphasis on energy efficiency over indoor environmental quality (IEQ). This shift was first noted in LEED 2009, with the IEQ Category decreasing from 71.7% (second most) available points to 13.6% (barely third most) points, while the energy category increased from 24.6% to 31.8%. These ratings remain similar in LEED version 4. The only requirements regarding IEQ according to LEED are related to controlling the environmental tobacco smoke and providing the ASHRAE minimum amount of outdoor air.   This is the precedent for many other rating systems as well. 

If your air quality isn't up to par, one of the reasons below could be your culprit. 

Reasons for Poor Indoor Air Quality 

1. Non-Cleanable Interior Ventilation Surfaces 
2. Too Much Outdoor Air 
3. Cellulose Materials In High Water Use Areas
4. Roof Pollutant Sources Near Air Intakes 
5. Construction of Dirt and Debris Left on New Building Ventilation Surfaces 
6. Ventilation Fan Cycling On And Off 
7. Using Hazardous Materials in New Buildings 
8. Building Envelope Issues 
9. Air Handling Units With Poor Access
10. AHU Condensate Lines in Bad Locations or Improperly Installed 
11. Inadequate and Improper Use of Products Identified as Low Emitting 
12. Inappropriate Air Quality Evaluation Parameters and Methods for New Green Building Pre-occupancy 
13. Depending Too Much on Building Flush Out 
14. Filers Not Performing Per Rating Due to AHU Design Or Maintenance/Installation Issues 
15. Installing Drywall Before Roof Or Windows are in Place 
16. Not Designing or Constructing for Radon Mitigation 
17. Exposed Fiberglass Insulation In Return Air Plenum Above Ceiling Tiles 
18. Plumbing Construction Defects 
19. Ventilation Supply and Return Short Circuits
20. Not Negatively Pressurizing Rooms with Pollutants Source 

For More Information: "20 Reasons your Green Building may not have Green Indoor Air." Engineered Systems. January 2014. 

U.S. Green Building Council Launches LEED v4

This past week, The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) launched LEED v4, the newest version of the LEED green building program.  This enhanced program offers flexibility for all green projects, with new market sectors and global best practices built-in.

Since its release in 1998, LEED has revolutionized the marketplace as the world's premier benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high -performance green buildings. Staying true to its original goals,  LEED v4 builds on the fundamentals of previous versions while offering a new system that prepares all LEED projects in a portfolio to perform at a higher level.

New Features of LEED v4

• New market sectors including data centers, mi-rise residential projects, hospitality, existing schools, warehouses and distribution centers. 
• A more user friendly LEED credit submittal process, with step-by-step reference guide materials with videos and tutorials and a more intuitive technology platform.  
• Focus on outcomes--building owners can understand how to manage their buildings to meet full performance potential. 
• New impact categories such as climate change, human health, water resources, biodiversity, green economy, community and natural resources. 

Several facilities have already achieved LEED v4 qualifications. The Haworth Beijing Organic Showroom in Beijing, China achieved LEED v4 Gold, while a building in Washington, DC achieved LEED v4 Silver. 

How to Cut on HVAC Energy Waste

Lighting and HVAC systems are the primary culprits of high energy bills.   According to the U.S. Department and Energy's Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) arm, lighting and conditioning indoor air makeup more than 50% of a building's total energy use.

For years, lighting has played a large role in cutting energy costs, with very little focus on HVAC. Now advancements in technology are making savings on HVAC systems more achievable.  Likewise, as the saving potential becomes more evident, facility decision makers such as managers and owners are starting to look for opportunities to reduce costs with current HVAC systems.

Three Ways to Cut on HVAC Energy Costs 

1. Fan Efficiency Ratings 

Fans are a large consumer of energy and account for 80% of the so-called parasitic load.   For this reason, the Air Movement Control Association International (AMCA), began developing an efficiency rating for fans.  By choosing a fan based on this rating system, you can reduce a significant amount on energy costs. 

2.Variable Refrigerant Flows 

VRF systems are common in Europe and Asia, but have only recently gained popularity in North America. Its ability to respond to fluctuations in space load conditions, enables energy savings during part-load system use. 

3. Energy Recovery 

Another option for saving on energy costs for facilities is the use of an airside or waterside direct exchange system.  For large facilities, energy recovery systems have the potential to cut energy conditioning energy use by half. 

Benefits of Green Building

The green building phenomenon is sweeping across the world, but many doubt the benefits of this movement.

Instead, they believe it is simply a political agenda or a means for more costly construction projects.

The reality is, a green building project can have environmental, economic and social benefits as described below: 

Environmental Benefits 

• Emission Reductions--Green building techniques such as solar powering and daylighting can increase energy efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.
• Water Conservation-Implementing water recycle programs for urinal flow and irrigation can significantly lower water consumption and increase savings.
• Temperature Moderation-Conscientious building designs and site selection can reduce the urban heat island effect caused the heat retention properties of tall buildings and urban materials.

Economic Benefits

• Energy & Water Saving- Green design and technology can drastically reduce operation costs. This can offset any additional project costs, while offering long-term savings. 
• Increased Property Advantages-Low operating costs that come with green facilities can lead to lower vacancy rates and higher property values.
• Increase Employee Productivity & Health-There is a positive correlation between indoor environmental conditions and improved employee health and productivity. 
• Sales Improvements-Studies show stores with more natural light have more sales. 

Social Benefit 

• Improved Health-Poor indoor environment quality can contribute to respiratory problems, allergies, and nausea headaches. Implementing green building features can provide for a healthier and more comfortable living and working environment.  
•  Improved schools-About 40% of the schools in the United States are subject to poor environmental conditions that can affect the health and learning of students.  Studies show that schools utilizing green building techniques often experience a reduction in student absentees and see an improvement in test scores. 
• Healthier Lifestyles & Recreation- Sustainable designs preserve natural environments and provide for more recreation and exercise opportunities. They also promote alternatives to driving such as bicycling and public transport. 

Understanding Green Certification Programs

As the Green Building movement expands, so do the resources available to design professionals and business owners.  Knowing your your project's objectives and goals can help you determine what

certification program is best for you.

Here are a few organizations that offer Green Building Certification program:

1. The Global Building Initiative (GBI)  

The Green Building Initiative is a web based green building program. This LEED alternative is, aims to reduce a facility's overall environmental impact, while improving sustainability.

The program is geared toward new construction and big renovation projects, but offers guidance and a cost effective green building rating system.

The GBI can help reduce operational costs, qualify for tax incentives, meet federal mandates or increase the marketability of your buildings.

2.  GBC Florida Green Commercial Building Certification Program.     

This nonprofit corporation is committed to spread the green building initiative in the state of Florida.  They provide a variety of resources and sponsor a variety of education programs for design professionals, consumers and government entities.

3. USGBC's  LEED Program 

LEED or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, offers flexible and comprehensive certification programs that address the entire building's lifecycle. 

With LEED, building owners and operators have a practical means for measuring and implementing green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. 

LEED uses third-party verification to determine that a facility or community was built with environmental and sustainability in mind. 

LEED Green Building Certification to Include Cradle to Cradle

Despite the controversy surrounding the federal governments preference to LEED building certifications, the latest LEED Version 4 rating system was overwhelmingly approved (85 percent) last week by the U.S. Green Building Council with the inclusion of the Cradle to Cradle Certified Program. 

Developed 25 years ago by American Architect William McDonough and German chemist Michael Braungart, Cradle to Cradle aims to enforce the environmental qualities of materials used in green buildings. 

“We salute the USGBC’s courageous leadership in making material health a priority in the face of immense challenge from industry,” says William McDonough. “The stand they have taken will help continue their meaningful input as an agent of market transformation.”

Cradle to Cradle will officially be adopted into the LEED certification criteria in November 2013.  

What does that mean for your LEED Project? 

With the addition of Cradle to Cradle to the LEED Version 4 rating system, you can get credits for materials & resources if you disclose and optimize where your building materials are sourced and purchased. 

Facilities that utilize at least 20 Cradle to Cradle Certified products or use "at least 25% by cost of the total value of permanently installing building products" can earn points toward certification. 

For more information visit USGBC or view the original press release. 

• Cradle to Cradle® is a registered trademark of MBDC.
• Cradle to Cradle Certified^CM is a certification mark licensed by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute
• U.S Green Building Council is a certification mark licensed to the U.S. Green Building Council.