Top 10 Takeaways from Greenbuild 2013
by Jonathan McGaha | January 1, 2014 12:00 am
As we noted in our last issue, this column has taken on a new format. We begin 2014 by answering a reader-submitted question: What was the greatest takeaway from Greenbuild 2013? For those who were unable to attend this year’s Greenbuild conference, here are my top 10 takeaways from the event:
10. LEED v4
Greenbuild 2013 was where the USGBC officially announced the newest version of the LEED rating system. LEED v4 is the newest in a long-evolved series of rating systems. The release of the rating system includes new prerequisites, credits and credit categories. The 110-point total (the same as the last version) has been reallocated to place increased importance for credits pertaining to climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and increased energy efficiency. My past columns have addressed many of the individual credits found in the new rating system, and as more project teams choose to use this version, we will focus on specific concerns brought to us by our readers. Until those specific questions are received, it’s important to note that the Energy
& Atmosphere and the material sections of the rating system are more complicated compared to older versions of LEED.
9. LEED Online
LEED v4 is an update to the entire suite of LEED rating systems. Each of the rating systems within LEED (LEED BD+C, CI, EBOM and Homes) will have a new reference guide. As in past years, the reference guide has been made available in hard copy and electronic format. This new version of LEED Online will contain all of the required LEED templates, an electronic version of the reference manual, case studies applicable to each credit and hyperlinks to all LEED interpretations and LEEDuser. This is the first time ever that all of this information has been put into one easy-to-access location. In addition, the LEED documentation process has been simplified with the removal of required owner signatures and signatories.
8. More emphasis on Measurement
& Verification (M&V)
Older versions of the LEED rating system offered points if the owner of a building agreed to install meters to observe the amount of energy and water consumed in a building. LEED v4 upgraded the importance of M&V by making the installation mandatory through newly crafted system prerequisites.
7. No more LEED Faculty
In an effort to educate, train and get individuals credentialed, the USGBC created “LEED Faculty.” Individuals with this designation were authorized to provide training to those preparing for the LEED credentialing examination. While this educational system served the USGBC well for a number of years, LEED v4 brings a new attitude toward faculty and has removed this designation. Now the USGBC will let the open market develop and deliver these educational classes, switching its focus to content oversight rather than content providers.
6. Proven Provider Program
The USGBC and the Green Building Certification Institute used Greenbuild to announce the Proven Provider program, which has been in an undisclosed pilot program for over a year. The program was established to evaluate and manage project teams that have demonstrated consistent quality in their project submissions. This is an elite group (24 firms selected from more than 3,000 candidates) that the USGBC selected for the pilot program. The Proven Provider has special access to LEED reviewers (before, during and after a project submission) and an accelerated review schedule.
5. High Performance Buildings Institute
The USGBC announced the creation of the High Performance Buildings Institute. This entity, which will start work immediately, will utilize the information available regarding energy and water use from various sources, combined with data provided to the USGBC from past certified buildings, to formalize and publish information pertaining to high-performance buildings.
4. More Greenbuild
The USGBC recently sold the Greenbuild International trade show to McGraw Hill. The new owners will expand this conference to include additional shows around the globe. In 2014, we’ll see three international conferences (Italy, Brazil and the United States).
3. Resiliency
The buzzword of this year’s Greenbuild was “resiliency.” This word was used in at least six different presentations. If you want to sound like you are on the leading edge of sustainability, incorporate the word resiliency into your conversation.
2. LCA & EPD
Those who don’t know what Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Disclosures (EPD) might be might want to learn. The materials section of the rating system has been rewritten. No longer will teams receive a point just for building with metal. Now products must be analyzed using LCA documented through EPD.
1. Greenbuild 2014
New Orleans will be the location for Greenbuild nation 2014.
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Thomas Taylor, a 30-year veteran of the construction industry and noted expert on sustainability, is the general manager of St. Louis-based Vertegy. His recent book, “Guide to LEED 2009: Estimating and Preconstruction Strategies,” provides step-by-step information about the LEED 2009 for New Construction process. To learn more about Vertegy or Thomas’ new book, visit www.vertegyconsultants.com for more information.
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