Energy cost solutions group

Author: Energy Cost

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From floor to ceiling: Healthy material choices for K–12 schools

The group of panelists shared valuable insights on how school districts can protect young learners, who are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of toxins and hazardous materials in school buildings. The discussion highlighted how materials used in school construction and renovation can significantly impact ecological health and the health of students, and improve the overall learning environment.

Materials and human health

It has long been understood that the materials used in the construction of buildings play a crucial role in human health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 50% of the U.S. population carries carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting pesticides in their bodies, and exposure to toxic building materials may contribute to these harmful accumulations. With our youngest learners being more susceptible to exposure to these chemicals as they play and learn in closer contact to carpet, furniture, play equipment, etc., it becomes especially important to choose safer building materials in school environments.

One of the most effective strategies for reducing health hazards in building materials is through elimination and substitution. This aligns with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health‘s hierarchy of controls, which emphasizes the need to remove harmful materials entirely or replace them with safer alternatives.

USGBC has been participating with other cross-sector stakeholders to align around a common definition for healthy materials to help the industry advance healthy material documentation and selection. The new LEED v5 Materials and Resources credit Building Product Disclosure and Optimization introduces a multi-attribute framework for evaluating materials and follows a structure put in place by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in the AIA Materials Pledge and by mindful MATERIALS in the Common Materials Framework, among other documents.

In this new framing, products are evaluated for their ability to address climate health, human health, ecosystem health, and social health and equity, and their ability to foster the circular economy. While the framework and structure of this product-related credit is new in LEED v5, the specific attributes for building products that are rewarded in the credit are familiar to previous users of LEED.

Several schools across the country are already implementing these practices, working to make their buildings healthier and safer for students.

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/how-leed-v5-promotes-ecological-conservation-and-restoration
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How LEED v5 promotes ecological conservation and restoration

Why ecological conservation and restoration matters

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and other scientific bodies have underscored the critical need to protect and restore at least 30% of the world’s land and seas by 2030 in order to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. This “30 by 30 goal” was formally adopted as part of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It represents a bold and urgent global effort to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, halt biodiversity loss and enhance ecosystem resilience, with a relatively short opportunity to do so.

Additionally, research continues to correlate biodiversity and access to local green space with both mental and physical human health and well-being. Thus, this goal impacts not only the health of the planet, but the communities and individuals that inhabit it. While the “30 by 30” goal requires action across multiple sectors and ecosystems, LEED projects are well positioned to contribute meaningfully to this global initiative.

How LEED v5 addresses ecosystem protection

The ecological conservation and restoration impact area of LEED v5 emphasizes strategies and actions that can be implemented at the individual asset level that limit environmental degradation and seek to rehabilitate and restore ecosystems.

LEED’s comprehensive framework considers the interconnectedness of ecological systems and human-built environments, aiming to minimize ecological harm while promoting restoration and biodiversity conservation. They have been developed through thousands of volunteer hours and in collaboration with the LEED committees, along with two rounds of public comment.

This impact area is encouraged through three main strategies:

  1. Conserving natural habitats
  2. Restoring natural habitats
  3. Efficiently using resources that impact natural habitats

These strategies have been designed to be both project-specific (benefiting the project’s ecosystems directly) and impactful on a larger scale (such as reducing downstream impacts from supply chain purchases). They build upon previous iterations of LEED, and are designed to be more accessible for projects of varying density and location.

Let’s delve further into what this means at the credit level.

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/how-leed-v5-promotes-ecological-conservation-and-restoration
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Net zero: What does it mean to your organization?

LEED Fellow Geoffrey Brock shares his reflections on how “net zero” means different things to different organizations.

Depending on the nature and location of a company’s business, the goals of net zero can represent very different priorities, even for seemingly similar operations. Materiality assessments are meant to help organizations focus efforts where they will have the most significant impact, but what happens when certain operations are composed of multiple organizations, whose exact roles may vary based on the nature of the program or project? Is it naive to think we can have actual “apples to apples” comparisons between companies within sectors, especially when they are increasingly using their net zero goals as differentiators in business development?

What the industry needs to always be aware of is that the easiest way to limit emissions is to leave them out of the equation. Many net zero commitments only focus on Scope 1 and 2 emissions, placing Scope 3 goals farther down the timeline or excluding them altogether. While that is logical within the context of “starting first with what you can control” (versus what is “upstream” or “downstream” or being external to the physical facility), there are inconsistencies when applying the same boundary parameters across sectors, or even within organizations.

Scope 3, “purchased goods and services,” can frequently become a dumping ground for many things just because an intermediate vendor is involved. Even distinctions like “operational control” can mean something different from an accounting perspective compared to the true nature of operations.

This may be more straightforward for organizations with relatively consistent operations and settings, like a professional services company (e.g., a law firm or architecture firm) working in an office building, or even a manufacturing facility with relatively consistent output, but what about more complex and dynamic operations such as those within the construction management industry? Projects come and go; some are within a single reporting year, while others overlap multiple years (how absolute reduction targets account for business fluctuation or growth is its own separate conundrum).

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/net-zero-what-does-it-mean-your-organization

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Growing our community through Greenbuild

USGBC’s managing director of U.S. market transformation and development highlights Greenbuild events.

As the world’s largest green building conference and expo, the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo offers first-class educational content, motivating keynote addresses, inspirational tours and the opportunity to explore the latest innovations in sustainable products, services and tech.

Greenbuild also serves as the preeminent annual gathering for our international green building community. It’s an event we look forward to each year because we know we’ll see old friends and meet new ones. “See you at Greenbuild!” has been my sign-off in so many emails lately that I’m considering adding it to my signature template.

Greenbuild provides a platform for us not only to gather as a community, but also to grow larger and more inclusive and to deepen our connections within sectors of the building industry, particularly those sectors where we can make the greatest impact. This year, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, we have a stellar lineup of community growth events planned, including both popular mainstay events such as Women in Green and new opportunities such as the USGBC sector roundtables. As part of our effort to make these events more inclusive, some are accessible with various levels of conference registration, while others can be registered for independently.

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/growing-our-community-through-greenbuild

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2024 Louisiana Housing Conference

Energy Cost Solutions Group, LLC (ECSG) was pleased to participate as a sponsor at the 2024 Louisiana Housing Conference (LHC), held at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center from October 27-29, 2024. This annual gathering serves as an important platform for advancing housing initiatives that drive economic development, expand homeownership, address homelessness, and promote resilient building practices across the state of Louisiana.

About the Conference

The LHC brings together mission-driven professionals and experts from diverse sectors to collaborate on effective housing solutions, community-building practices, and disaster recovery strategies. This year’s sessions emphasized:

  • Boosting economic development and job growth through housing initiatives
  • Expanding access to homeownership across Louisiana communities
  • Addressing homelessness through supportive partnerships and services
  • Promoting resilient building practices and recovery solutions for disaster-prone areas

ECSG’s Involvement

As a sponsor of this event, ECSG was proud to contribute to discussions and explore new strategies that align with our commitment to sustainable, high-performance building and community resilience. Our team was excited to engage with other industry leaders and explore collaborative approaches that enhance housing solutions and foster long-term environmental benefits.

Looking Forward

At ECSG, we remain dedicated to supporting sustainable development and advancing high-performance building practices across the region. Our work in green building consulting, building commissioning, and more is aimed at helping clients see the value in their efforts towards environmental responsibility, ultimately contributing to economically sound housing initiatives.

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Miami 21.. How Energy Cost Solutions Group Can Help.

At Energy Cost Solutions Group, we specialize in helping developers, architects, and businesses navigate the complexities of sustainable building practices, including full compliance with Miami 21 regulations. With years of experience in the green building industry, we provide expert consultation and solutions that align with your project goals, while adhering to the latest urban sustainability standards.

Our comprehensive services ensure that your projects not only meet the regulatory requirements of Miami 21 but also exceed environmental standards, such as LEED certification and other green building programs. We help clients design, implement, and optimize energy-efficient strategies that lower operational costs, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the overall value of your properties.

Our Services Include:

  1. Miami 21 Compliance Consulting
    We guide you through the Miami 21 zoning code requirements, ensuring your project meets all the necessary green building and urban sustainability standards. Whether you’re working on residential or commercial developments, our team provides the expertise to secure approvals quickly and efficiently.
  2. Energy Efficiency Solutions
    Our energy-efficient designs and technologies can help you achieve optimal building performance, reducing energy consumption and lowering costs. We integrate these practices into your building to ensure compliance with Miami-Dade County’s Green Building Ordinance and related programs.
  3. LEED Certification Assistance
    If you’re looking to meet LEED or other sustainability standards, we can streamline the certification process, from design to execution. Our experts have helped many projects attain high-level LEED ratings by implementing strategies that promote energy conservation, water efficiency, and improved indoor air quality.
  4. Climate Resilience Planning
    Miami’s climate poses unique challenges, and our team can help you incorporate resilient building features, such as flood protection and storm-resistant materials, into your project. This ensures long-term sustainability and adherence to the climate-resilient goals of Miami 21.
  5. Sustainable Development Across South Florida
    We serve clients throughout Miami-Dade County, including cities like Miami Beach, Aventura, North Miami, and Hallandale Beach. Our deep understanding of local green building ordinances and sustainability programs allows us to offer targeted solutions that enhance the environmental performance of projects across South Florida.

Ready to Get Started?

At Energy Cost Solutions Group, we are committed to delivering energy-efficient, compliant, and sustainable building solutions that align with your goals. Whether you’re developing in Miami or beyond, contact us today to learn how we can assist with your next project.

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The green workforce: Empowering people for our shared future

The institutionalization of high-performing materials, resilient design and verified green buildings stems from the market transformation driven by USGBC and the LEED rating system. Twenty years ago, this was a distant dream requiring a seemingly impossible paradigm shift. We are currently in a similar shift in workforce development.

Most companies in our emerging industry have traditionally trained new staff almost completely internally. Additionally, the competitive nature of new business models in an emerging industry has reduced collaboration on workforce strategies and career alignments. Fortunately, many are drawn to careers that help combat climate change, and this passion has sustained us for some time. However, as our industry becomes more established, we need a new collective strategy.

Building a seamless pipeline

Cooperatively, we must develop an equitable, seamless pipeline of clean economy career education and skill development. This pipeline will ensure diverse students and adults gain quality, family-sustaining jobs; employers access a qualified, diverse workforce; and public and private partners streamline offerings and leverage funding together to reduce our collective impact on climate change and human health.

A contiguous green jobs pipeline begins with exposing K–12 students and job seekers to our industry’s opportunities through career exploration curricula, industry speakers, project tours, career fairs or media. Interested individuals are then connected to training pathways in higher education, trade schools or intermediary credential training programs, connecting or overlapping with apprenticeships, internships or fellowships. Ongoing career progression includes mentorship, career coaching, professional development, reskilling and entrepreneurship. Collaborations among various organizations are critical to ensuring fluid movement through these stages.

 

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/green-workforce-empowering-people-our-shared-future

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Federal agencies address increasing flood risks with new rules

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a new floodplain rule in July, requiring construction projects that receive agency funding to be elevated above current and anticipated future flood levels. The rule came as catastrophic flooding hit communities in Texas, Iowa and Vermont, in the latest round of extreme weather events that are posing increasing risks to people and property across the country while also driving up insurance costs.

With this new rule, FEMA will account for the impacts of climate change on increased flood risk and require enhanced resilience for FEMA-funded buildings and other construction projects in at-risk areas. FEMA joins the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which adopted a similar rule in April expanding its floodplain definition and increasing elevation requirements for HUD-assisted new housing.

These new flood rules are a critically important step to improve the preparedness of our nation’s infrastructure in the face of growing climate risks and to use taxpayer dollars more prudently in building and rebuilding projects.

The Federal Flood Risk Management Standard

The FEMA and HUD rules both implement the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS). FFRMS is a flexible framework designed to address current and future flood risks and increase the resilience of federally funded infrastructure. Federal agencies are required to select one of three approaches to identify the FFRMS floodplain used for project siting, design and construction:

  • Climate Informed Science Approach (CISA): The flood elevation and hazard area that result from using the best-available data and methods integrating current and future changes based on climate science.
  • Freeboard Value Approach (FVA): The area that results from adding 2 feet to the base flood elevation (flood event with 1% annual probability) for noncritical facilities and adding 3 feet for critical facilities such as hospitals, power plants and water treatment facilities.
  • 500-year floodplain: The area subject to flooding by a 500-year flood (an event with 0.2% annual probability).

FEMA and HUD have prioritized the use of CISA, where data is available and actionable, in their FFRMS implementation. Where data is not available, both agencies will generally defer to the higher result of the FVA or 500-year floodplain approach.

 

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/federal-agencies-address-increasing-flood-risks-new-rules

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Meeting enhanced commissioning requirements

The requirement for a commissioning agent to “Verify operator and occupant training delivery and effectiveness” as part of enhanced commissioning is a bit ambiguous. Are we supposed to witness the training? Document it? Lead it? The sessions are usually bad anyway. Is there a way to improve the training process so that, as a new building becomes an existing building, the chances of success are improved?

As with many aspects of commissioning, trying to figure out your role in the construction process can be difficult at times. Buildings were going up long before commissioning began as a specialty, and many construction teams are certain they can succeed without the involvement of a Certified Commissioning Authority (CxA). However, as buildings become more complex, and their control systems ever more sophisticated, it becomes increasingly crucial that each building be staffed by people who understand how the building is intended to operate and can identify when the operation falls short.

The training process as envisioned by LEED’s Enhanced Commissioning credit is intended not only to train the initial staff, but also to leave a record to help educate those who come after. Here are some tips to get everyone on board and assist the transition from “new” to “existing.”

Get a good start

Just as any house needs a good foundation, the training process needs to be rooted in the building design. This is emphasized by the text of the LEED rating system, which states that the CxA must “verify inclusion of operator and occupant training requirements in construction documents.” The ideal place for these requirements to live is in Division 01 of the spec book. CSI Master Format sets aside number 01 79 00 for Demonstration and Training. Placing the language instead in the individual subcontractor sections (22, 23 or 26) does have the virtue of increasing chances that the requirements might actually be read; however, duplication of language in a spec book should be avoided whenever possible. A better strategy is to provide a reference to section 01 79 00 in the subcontractor specs and leave it at that.

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/pro-tip-meeting-enhanced-commissioning-requirements

 

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Europe’s first SITES-certified landscape project is a green heartbeat in the center of Milan

CityLife supports biodiversity as well as providing a green space for public enjoyment.

In downtown Milan, Italy, a sprawling mixed-use district of residential units, offices, shopping, services and public spaces is connected by nearly 70 acres of publicly accessible green space. After the migration of the city’s fairground and trade show complex to a new location, its 90-acre former location downtown has become an ambitious urban regeneration project: the SITES Platinum CityLife.

Today, it hosts several buildings designed by well-known architects. Open to all, CityLife offers one of the largest public green spaces in Milan and the largest car-free zone in the city. The district is both the first SITES-certified project in Europe and the first to achieve SITES for Existing Landscapes certification.

Designing a sustainable district

The design process for the CityLife district began in 2008, when sustainability certifications were not yet widely adopted in Italy. Despite this, sustainability was a core focus for the project, as the project team envisioned it as an accessible green space in the highly urbanized downtown of Milan. The project is led by CityLife S.p.a. with sustainability consulting from Manens S.p.a. and landscape architecture from Gustafson Porter + Bowman.

“To achieve [our sustainability goals], we focused on both the energy and environmental performance of the buildings, but also on developing a resilient, inclusive and integrated community with a strong identity that can positively impact people’s physical and psychological well-being,” explains Andrea Cottone, sustainability manager at CityLife S.p.a.

Deep into development, the team began considering the use of sustainability certifications to confirm existing project standards and identify new strategies to improve. It began with the massive park that was already open to the public.

“It was from the park that we started to plan how to tell the community about the sustainable plan for the neighborhood. The SITES rating system turned out to be the most suitable to meet our needs, being perfectly aligned with the objectives of the project and our client,” says Michela Tedeshi, sustainability consultant at Manens S.p.a.

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/europe-s-first-sites-certified-landscape-project-green-heartbeat-center-milan