Building Operations

Written by R. Kirk Johnson, AIA, LEED AP

One of the key elements contained within the LEED 2009 for Existing Buildings Rating System, is the relationship between the energy optimization requirements of the standard with the industry leading Energy Star rating measurement program.  LEED 2009 for Existing Buildings uses the Energy Star measurement standard as the entry point into minimum building energy and atmosphere compliance. Energy Star is a program administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) pertaining to building energy consumption.  Many of us are familiar with the brand recognized Energy Star label when purchasing appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, air conditioners, and other similar consumer products.  The same brand is also used to rate building performance through the Energy Star Label program.  LEED requires a minimum score of 69 as an energy and atmosphere pre-requisite.

 

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Building Operations

Written by Anthony Martin, P.E., LEED AP

Many of us have read many articles or seen many newscasts depicting current economic conditions and the residual effects on building construction, the nationwide energy crisis, and the resources becoming available to “cure” our existing building inventory.  And because of this, you have probably had one of your existing clients or building owner’s call you and ask about LEED for Existing Buildings – Operations and Management.  Now you are probably asking yourself, where do I start?  One short answer is to look into the existing building commissioning process.

 

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Building Operations

Written by Ken Sidebottom, CEM LEED AP

A BETTER GREEN BUILDING RATING SYSTEM

In the new 2009 (LEED v3) LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, rating system the bar has been raised once again for energy performance. Using the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Building rating system as its basis, LEED EBOM 2009 increases the minimum required score from 69 to 73 for a building seeking LEED Certification. This is just 2-points below the ENERGY STAR Label score of 75 required by the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Building Labeling Program which acknowledges exceptional performance in building energy efficiency.

 

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