Posts Tagged ‘LEED’

Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings Lends Edge in Sacramento

April 6th, 2010 by Kevin Skurski

We were pleased to see Portland energy efficiency company Brightworks get some ink in a recent Sacramento Bee story, which quoted LEED consultant Chris Mullins, on the tenant-magnetizing potential of Energy Star and LEED certification for commercial buildings: “If you have to pay $96,000 to get certified to get a tenant,” Mullins said, “that’s the best $96,000 an owner ever spent.”

Local Sacramento developer Mark Friedman (whose firm built 2600 Capitol building, pictured) was quoted as saying “It may cost a little more to build up front, but it costs less over the long term.”

Now that’s what we’re talking about.

(But wait a second, it doesn’t have to take 96k to reduce energy costs and increase occupancy. To be clear, Mullins is talking about new construction, whereas AirAdvice’s BuildingAdvice product is designed to identify energy savings opportunities in existing buildings. But the energy saving solutions that come from a BuildingAdvice Energy Assessment may not cost you a dime to implement.)

The Bee went on to report that building owners who have obtained Energy Star or LEED status say it can make the difference in a close call with prospective tenants, particularly younger workers, who want to know their building is eco-friendly.

Citing a particular Sacramento market where Class A office buildings had a 40% vacancy rate in the latter part of 2009 – astonishingly high for the top rating of office space – any edge in a building’s attractiveness can make a huge difference.

(Image courtesy of Fulcrum Property)

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Posted in Energy assessment, Energy efficiency and buildings, Sustainability | Comment »

Should LEED Certification plaques be installed with screws?

September 1st, 2009 by Kevin Skurski

An article in the New York Times highlights some of the best kept secrets of LEED certification.  While many people think that LEED certification is synonymous with energy efficiency, the article, looking at data from sources such as the New Building Institute, indicates that may not be the case.  Because building owners have a wide array of options for securing LEED points, including use of sustainable or recycled materials, proximity to bus stops, and installation of bike racks, oftentimes energy conservation measures may be overlooked or ignored.  Moreover, because energy use must be modeled to forecast usage in new construction, it is invariably wrong, and often by a significant margin.  The article’s conclusion?  A majority of LEED buildings tested would not even receive an Energy Star label.

Even if they do focus on energy points and install and commission sophisticated controls, if they are not monitored and maintained, controls and systems go out of balance.  A phenomenon known as energy drift sets in and energy is wasted over time.  Things like use of setbacks, lighting during occupied times and over-ventilation are a few examples.

Given the amount of money invested by building owners to secure this rating, it seems absurd that they wouldn’t at least be considered energy efficient.  I suspect there will be a backlash.  Hence the use of screws for mounting (and dismounting) plaques.

On the other hand, LEED EB (existing buildings) seems to be more focused on energy savings as a key component of achieving certification.  Indeed, mechanical contractors would be wise to ensure they understand how their services can help LEED consultants and building owners achieve points toward the LEED EB certification.  The good news for building owners is that many of these points can be “delivered” by a knowledgeable mechanical contractors without paying exorbitant premiums.

Oh, and one other thing…. Existing building energy models based on that building’s actual utility bills versus a theoretical model are far more accurate and can be used to accurately forecast savings from proposed energy conservation measures (ECMs).  Accurate forecasting will help to identify the ROI for each measure and help secure owner buy-in for retrofits.

SO LEED NC has some challenges in front of it as it relates to energy conservation.  LEED EB, as it relates to energy conservation, may be just what the doctor would prescribe for “ailing” building owners.

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Posted in Energy efficiency and buildings, Energy management, Sustainability | Comment »

Benefits and costs of LEED-EB

April 15th, 2009 by Kevin Skurski

Good news for LEED-EB and anyone involved in conducting LEED-related services for existing buildings.  A recent study showed that not only is the cost of certification lower than many facility executives think, but also operating costs for LEED certified buildings are on average lower than non-certified buildings.  And consistent with what we repeatedly see in our building assessments, many low and no cost credits can serve as a starting point for facility executives to begin the journey to LEED-EB certification.

One of our favorite statements, which the study’s authors point out, is that sustainability and LEED-EB certification are both journeys, not destinations, and that the important thing is to get started and keep moving in the direction of sustainability.

There are resources all around for getting started, whether you are a building owner or manager or a building service provider.  Local utilities, industry tradegroups, technology providers, and others all typically have tools, guides, and ideas for getting started.

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The coming onslaught of energy efficiency projects

April 3rd, 2009 by Kevin Skurski

“Last week, the Bloomington City Council passed the city’s first green building ordinance, requiring 15 government buildings to meet stringent energy efficiency standards” as reported in the Indiana Daily Student.

Familiar headlines will be seen in local communities throughout the country.  Some will use federal stimulus money, some will use local taxes and some will issue bonds.  Whatever the source of funding, rest assured a tsunami of projects that drive energy conservation in public buildings is coming your way.  Many will pursue LEED-EBOM and some will be satisified with an EnergyStar rating.  Whatever their goals may be with regard to a building label, one common theme drives these initiatives, a desire to cut operating costs and their carbon footprint while demonstrating responsible stewardhip of taxpayers’ dollars.

So, what can you do to get your share?  I am seeing a good number of seminars and meetings with public officials to educate potential suppliers at the local level.  These can be helpful but don’t fall into the trap of thinking this is going to help you secure the work.

Get into the field and start visiting with your city and county decision makers.  Educate them regarding your services and how you can efficiently help them assess their buildings’ energy performance and identify and quantify what you can do to help them.  By educating them you will help to define how the scope of work gets formed and ensure that they are focusing on the best potential return on investment.  So, get proactive and educate your community on how you can help them make investments with real paybacks.

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Posted in Building service providers, Energy efficiency and buildings, Resources, Sustainability | Comment »