Author: Energy Cost

The embodied carbon of building materials contributes to 13% of all global greenhouse gas emissions. To address this impact, the LEED rating system has established several credits that encourage projects to purchase materials with beneficial life cycle impacts and low embodied carbon that also promote building inhabitants’ safety, heath and well-being. Continuing to develop more holistic materials health requirements within LEED, with consideration for both human and ecological health, is crucial to moving the built environment forward.

Increasing interest in materials credits

Three credits in LEED v4.1 for Building Design and Construction (BD+C)—Low-Emitting Materials, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Material Ingredients—reward teams that find materials for their projects meeting both indoor environmental quality and climate health needs.

In recent years, there has been increased interest in these credits—they comprise 32% of all LEED v4.1 substituted credits, with projected all-time highs for credit use by the end of 2023 (there is an approximate 20%, 8% and 10% predicted increase in credit attempts for Low-Emitting Materials, Environmental Product Declarations and Material Ingredients credits, respectively).

Overall, LEED projects have historically had success with these credits through transparency (disclosure-based criteria for EPDs and Material Ingredients credits) and focusing on certain product categories for the Low-Emitting Materials credit. However, there are opportunities to push for greater optimization in low-emitting materials, embodied carbon and life cycle impacts to unlock more points for selecting preferable, healthier products in LEED.

Project trends in low-emitting materials

Projects that attempt the Low-Emitting Materials credit and apply for 2 or 3 points usually end up achieving all 3 points. Around 50% of projects applying for 2 points receive an additional point, inadvertently reaching the third point requirement by achieving the 90% threshold in three compliant product categories.

Those who pursue the credit typically report wet-applied products (paints, coatings, adhesives and sealants), but often do not disclose information about other products (composite wood, furniture, ceilings, wall panels and insulation). The average reported general emissions threshold (including 0% for those that did not disclose) is around 77% for wet-applied products and 40% for other products.

Previously successful product categories could potentially become mandatory in future versions of LEED because of their high uptake and the wide availability of products that meet the requirements at little or no incremental cost. For instance, in California, there is enough political infrastructure to achieve these categories with existing state indoor environmental quality requirements (the state requires that all building materials must be manufactured to meet the 70% threshold).

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/opportunities-leed-promoting-health-through-materials

As the impetus for economy-wide decarbonization increases, a growing number of state and local governments are exploring the adoption of building performance standards (BPS), a policy trend that has the potential to significantly reduce energy, carbon and water use in existing buildings. To not overwhelm building owners and operators, BPS policies take an incremental approach, requiring buildings to meet specified levels of performance that grow more rigorous over time. BPS policies do not prescribe how the performance requirement will be met, leaving it to owners to determine the most cost-effective strategy for their building. Jurisdictions may choose to create standards around energy use, carbon emissions, water use or other metrics.

USGBC is highly supportive of BPS policies and is actively supporting legislation on both coasts in varying stages of development. Here’s a roundup of where we’re working:

• California: SB 48, known as the Building Energy Savings Act, has been significantly amended since it was introduced by state Sen. Josh Becker in December (it was initially titled the Water and Energy Savings Act). In its current version, the bill would require the California Energy Commission to develop a strategy for using energy usage data to track and manage energy usage and GHG emissions for large buildings to achieve the state’s emissions goals—including by exploring the feasibility of a BPS policy. The strategy, along with recommendations for future legislative action, would be submitted to the legislature by August 1, 2026. USGBC has joined a coalition of supporters advocating for the enactment of this bill.
• Maryland: Maryland became the third state (following Colorado and Washington) to enact a BPS policy in 2022, when its legislature enacted the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022. The law requires buildings 35,000 square feet and larger to achieve a 20% reduction in net direct GHG emissions by 2030, and n​et zero emissions by 2040. Maryland’s Department of Environment initiated a rulemaking in the summer of 2022 and completed a draft regulation in March 2023. USGBC provided comments on the draft regulation, recommending the inclusion of a requirement for noncomplying buildings to create a plan for future compliance.
• Massachusetts: The Better Buildings Act—jointly introduced in the Senate and House as S 2178 and H 3213, respectively—would direct the state’s Office of Energy Resources to establish a BPS policy for buildings over 20,000 square feet. USGBC is supportive of this bill and is advocating for amendments to improve its effectiveness. The Better Buildings Act is making its way through both chambers.
• Oregon: Oregon became the most recent state to enact a BPS policy when Gov. Tina Kotek signed HB 3409 into law in June. The BPS, which was packaged alongside other environmental and climate change policies aimed at meeting the state’s GHG reduction targets, applies to commercial buildings larger than 35,000 square feet.
• Rhode Island: During its 2023 legislative session, which adjourned in June, Rhode Island state legislators introduced S 166 and H 5425, which proposed to create benchmarking requirements and direct the establishment of a BPS policy for large commercial and residential buildings. While the bill did not progress this year, it will likely be introduced in 2024. USGBC is engaged in advocacy to improve and advance this legislation next session.
• Seattle, Washington: Gov. Jay Inslee signed a statewide BPS policy into law in 2019 (and strengthened it last year), but Washington state’s largest city is upping the ante by introducing its own standard—one that targets emissions rather than energy. Building on the city’s existing Energy Benchmarking and Building Tune-Ups programs, the proposed Building Emissions Performance Standard requires commercial and multifamily buildings larger than 20,000 square feet to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The city estimates that this would cover 1,650 nonresidential buildings and about 1,885 multifamily buildings. The city is seeking feedback from stakeholders, and USGBC is involved with a coalition of supporters. It is anticipated the city council will vote on the policy in September.

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/states-explore-adopting-building-performance-standards-policies

In urban areas, the absence of greenery and the prevalence of heat-absorbing materials such as asphalt and concrete creates heat islands, areas where temperatures can reach up to 7 degrees Fahrenheit higher than surrounding nonurban areas. Higher temperatures, in turn, lead to higher levels of energy required for air-conditioning and higher GHG emissions overall.

The Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES) can be used to guide landscape design to prioritize nature-based solutions to the human-made issues many urban areas face. SITES projects restore and protect ecosystem services so that the built environment can reap the benefits of greater efficiency and climate regulation.

In the case of heat-absorbing materials, vegetation can be used to replace or shade the heat-absorbing surfaces that are common in cities, serving as a natural method of regulating local climate. As an example of how greenery can have a direct impact on energy use for buildings, tree coverage of 20% of a house can create cooling savings of 8–18% and heating savings of 2–8%, which, in turn, reduces GHG emissions associated with air-conditioning use. Additionally, trees and shrubs naturally sequester carbon from the atmosphere and can help to reduce overall footprint.

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/advancing-green-infrastructure-through-policy

Another new report, the National Solar Jobs Census 2022, released in July by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), shows an increase of 3.5% in solar jobs in just the past two years, with an even faster uptake in the industry expected due to the opportunities created by the Inflation Reduction Act.

The census is based on a survey administered by BW Research for the U.S. Department of Energy’s United States Energy and Employment Report 2023. It defines solar workers as people who spend at least half of their work time on solar-related tasks.

The increase in solar: Report highlights

• Since 2021, solar jobs have increased by 3.5%. There are approximately 264,000 solar workers in the U.S., the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
• 2022 was a volatile year for solar, partly due to supply chain concerns, which slowed large-scale solar installations. However, residential solar jobs grew by 11%, balancing out the losses in utility-scale solar.
• About two-thirds of solar positions in 2022 (171,558) were available from installation and project development firms. Manufacturing firms supplied 33,473 jobs; wholesale trade and distribution offered another 30,618; operations and maintenance had 16,585 jobs available; and 11,648 were recorded in a miscellaneous category.
• California added the most solar jobs in 2022, with over 2,400. New York created almost 1,000 new jobs, Texas over 900, Florida more than 500 and Massachusetts over 475.

The challenge of filling solar industry jobs

USGBC’s own top 10 list of green jobs with high growth potential, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, published three years ago, included the role of solar energy installation manager as one of its top picks. However, in the 2022 census, 44% of solar industry employers stated it was “very difficult” to find qualified applicants—a common refrain among employers in green industries.

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/increase-solar-jobs-adds-industry-need-green-professionals

Embracing the principles of biodiversity and nurturing flourishing ecosystems is fundamental to the Future of LEED. In this vision, the built environment seamlessly coexists with ecological systems, supporting a vibrant and sustainable life for all inhabitants. LEED and SITES projects stand as shining examples, showcasing the remarkable commitment of our green building community to promoting biodiversity, integrating biophilic design elements, and implementing energy and water systems that offer substantial benefits.

In my work as an associate director on the LEED Technical Development team at USGBC, I have discovered that a key aspect of enhancing biodiversity lies in the integration of nature-based design principles into project planning and development. My responsibilities include overseeing the technical development of the Sustainable Sites (SS) credit category within the LEED rating system, in addition to facilitating LEED committees such as the SS Technical Advisory Group.

LEED’s SS credits play a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity by encouraging the preservation and restoration of ecological systems, including the conservation of biodiversity, through thoughtful site selection and development. Projects can earn points by implementing strategies such as protecting or restoring habitat, promoting native plantings, and minimizing disruption to the surrounding environment during construction.

From the very beginning of planning a project, project teams should consider nature-based and biophilic design strategies to reconnect occupants with nature. Biophilic design goes beyond aesthetics and holds immense potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, enhance biodiversity of plants and wildlife, and effectively regulate the temperature of buildings. Incorporating elements such as green roofs, vertical gardens and natural daylighting not only improve human experience, but also create habitats for various species. In this issue of USGBC+, you can read about how the LEED Platinum David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh supports biodiversity in an urban setting by integrating native plantings and pollinator habitat.

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/leed-enhancing-biodiversity-worldwide

Green building practices are more important than ever. Green buildings save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions and create healthier places for people. They are critical to addressing climate change and meeting ESG goals, enhancing resilience, and supporting more equitable communities.

In the spring of 2023, members of the green building community were invited to participate in an industry poll that aimed to capture their views on current issues and priorities. The survey received over 500 responses from various green building professionals, including USGBC members and LEED project teams.

The survey found that human health, decarbonization, net zero and ESG were the main drivers of green building activity from clients. Lack of funding and lack of knowledge were identified as key barriers to implementing green building practices and projects, and survey respondents view sustainability as core to their organizational mission and part of their business strategy as a market differentiator and competitive advantage.

Survey respondents also noted that building owners, tenants and policymakers strive to decrease their carbon footprint, improve occupant health and well-being, and enhance the resilience of buildings to extreme weather events.

As we look to the rest of 2023 and beyond, view the Green Building Trends and Sentiments report to learn more about the trends shaping the future of the green building industry, which includes a summary of the responses to our industry poll.

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/new-usgbc-industry-poll-finds-human-health-decarbonization-net-zero-and-esg-main-drivers

Green building practices are more important than ever. Green buildings save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions and create healthier places for people. They are critical to addressing climate change and meeting ESG goals, enhancing resilience, and supporting more equitable communities.

In the spring of 2023, members of the green building community were invited to participate in an industry poll that aimed to capture their views on current issues and priorities. The survey received over 500 responses from various green building professionals, including USGBC members and LEED project teams.

The survey found that human health, decarbonization, net zero and ESG were the main drivers of green building activity from clients. Lack of funding and lack of knowledge were identified as key barriers to implementing green building practices and projects, and survey respondents view sustainability as core to their organizational mission and part of their business strategy as a market differentiator and competitive advantage.

Survey respondents also noted that building owners, tenants and policymakers strive to decrease their carbon footprint, improve occupant health and well-being, and enhance the resilience of buildings to extreme weather events.

As we look to the rest of 2023 and beyond, view the Green Building Trends and Sentiments report to learn more about the trends shaping the future of the green building industry, which includes a summary of the responses to our industry poll.

To learn more about net zero, join USGBC us this week for Net Zero Buildings Week, an initiative led by the New Buildings Institute. Net Zero Buildings Week is designed to invite more people to join the movement to decarbonize everything from our schools to our communities. Members of USGBC and the green building community are invited to get involved.

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/new-usgbc-industry-poll-finds-human-health-decarbonization-net-zero-and-esg-main-drivers

The new report, which was completed in partnership with USGBC and dozens of other organizations in the building space, takes the pulse on where things stand with regard to diversity, equity and inclusion. It includes a breakdown of the definition of diversity. More than 7 in 10 respondents included race (75%), ethnicity (74%), gender (73%) and age (71%) in their definition of aspects of diversity within the context of the built environment.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents said it’s important to increase the diversity of the built environment. Overall, women (79%) and younger respondents—aged 39 or younger (68%) and aged 40 to 49 (66%)—were more likely to indicate the importance of increasing diversity.

Report highlights

Highlights of the 2023 Built Environment Workforce Survey include:

• About three in ten (29%) respondents indicated that the built environment is not diverse at all or is a little diverse, and about one-third (34%) indicated that the built environment is diverse or extremely diverse.
• Overall, women respondents (39%) and respondents who are Black, African American and/or of African descent (50%) were more likely to indicate the built environment is not diverse or is a little diverse.
• Overall, younger respondents—aged 39 or younger (68%) and aged 40 to 49 (66%)—and women respondents (79%) were more likely to indicate it is important or extremely important to increase the diversity of the built environment.
• More than three-quarters (76%) of respondents who are Hispanic and/or Latina/Latino/Latinx and nearly four in five (79%) respondents who are Black, African American, and/or of African descent indicated it is important or extremely important to increase the diversity of the built environment.
• Almost one-third (32%) of respondents indicated they have experienced discrimination or prejudice based on age.
• Around two-thirds (67%) of women respondents indicated they have experienced discrimination or prejudice in the built environment based on gender.
• More than half (55%) of respondents who are Black, African American and/or of African descent indicated they have experienced discrimination or prejudice based on race during their career in the built environment.
• Nearly two in five (39%) respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the following statement: “I have to work harder than others to be valued equally in the built environment.”

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/built-environment-workforce-survey-results-increasing-diversity-matters

Public buildings account for about one in every six buildings in the U.S. – think schools, post offices, universities, fire stations and courthouses. That represents an enormous opportunity for cities, states and the federal government to demonstrate green building leadership.

While many governments are doing just that, too often, upfront costs and deference to the status quo are obstacles to progress, with leaders making short-term decisions that ignore the long-term benefits of green buildings, including saving taxpayers money through lower energy bills, reducing GHG emissions, and creating more resilient and comfortable workplaces.

With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, that dynamic should be changing. New tax incentives, low-cost financing and grant programs under the law make a compelling case for incorporating green practices into all public building projects. Sure, we don’t have all the answers yet on how the programs will be implemented. But we will soon, and from what we do know, the economics for green public buildings may have never been better.

Among the many improvements under the new law is that many of the tax incentives encouraging green building are not only more generous, but they are also much more accessible to public and nonprofit entities through mechanisms that allow the incentives to be easily transferred or, in some cases, provided essentially as rebates through direct pay provisions.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy, the EPA and other agencies are busy implementing a variety of programs that states and local governments can use for building projects, providing low-cost capital and, in some cases, outright grants to fund all or a portion of a project.

Below are some highlights that every green building practitioner and government facilities leader should know about. For an even fuller picture, check out our resource on public and nonprofit building programs under the IRA and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/ira-update-new-economics-allowing-public-sector-buildings-go-green