A recent study of Green Globes, SBTool 07, and LEED NC 2.2 assesses their effectiveness in supporting the goals of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) sustainability position statement and achieving carbon neutrality in buildings by 2030.
These systems were selected due to their broad use in the U.S. market and their comprehensive approach to whole-building evaluation, according to AIA President Marshall Purnell.
“With new sustainability continuing education requirements in 2009 for AIA membership the results of this study can help better inform our members and the profession on green rating systems as they relate to our carbon reduction goals,” says Purnell.
The findings suggest improvements to each of the systems. In regards to the Green Building Initiative's Green Globes more stringent and specific requirements in the areas of energy reduction and operational performance are suggested when the system is used to certify a project.
Continued developments in life cycle assessment, requirements for renewable energy or carbon reduction targets for certified projects will continue to make the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED NC 2.2 system an effective resource for architects, says AIA.
Lastly, if the International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment's SBTool 07 is used as a rating system providing certification, an increase in the number of “required” items vs. those that are simply “encouraged” and required project documentation is suggested. Specific requirements in the areas of energy reduction and operational performance would supply any rating system approach that comes out of SBTool 07 with performance-based requirements necessary for reaching carbon reduction goals, says AIA.
