In a survey reaching over 2,000 international contractors, builders and developers, almost half said they expect to build more than 50% of their projects as a green building by 2022. This figure increased even more this year. The World Banks Blogs published an article in February 2024 showing that the demand for sustainability was growing significantly. World Bank blogger Susan Lund reports that emissions from buildings are expected to drop 23% by 2035 as more organizations invest in eco-friendly buildings.

To protect the environment while cutting down on costs, builders are turning to these seven popular green building practices in 2024.

1. Net-Zero Buildings

Many contractors are aiming to build net-zero buildings, which are buildings whose energy consumption is roughly equal to their energy output. The goal of this type of building project is to cut down on carbon emissions, water consumption and solid waste transported to landfills.

Those with plans to build a net-zero building typically look for ways to generate renewable energy on and off-site. Popular on-site generation tactics include wind turbines, solar water heating and photovoltaics. Off-site options include large-scale wind farms, solar plants, geothermal plants and hydropower facilities.

The credit offered for generating power sustainably will most likely offset the cost of building these renewable energy sites.

Net Zero buildings are more important in 2024 than ever before. In fact, the White House officially published a definition for them back in June for the first time, which helps emphasize why they are so important.

2. Climate Resiliency

With the growing concern over climate change, one of the top green initiatives is incorporating construction measures to withstand extreme weather patterns and natural disasters, typically in the form of improved infrastructure.

While many coastal cities have taken steps to relax their building codes, not strengthen them, developers are still seeking methods to go above and beyond, aiming to build stronger frames and increase weather resiliency to mitigate weather damage and cut down on insurance costs, such as claims for flood or fire damage.

3. Green Star Certification

The Green Star certification globally promotes integrated building designs which reduce environmental impact.

When a contractor goes through the certification process, their building or project receives a rating from an independent panel of sustainability experts. This rating can verify that a building or community project is a sustainable endeavor.

The rating a project receives comes from nine categories, from building design and construction to operation. Each category assesses the sustainability of a project and determines potential optimizations.

4. LEED Certification

Currently, LEED is the most widely used sustainability rating system in the world, certifying 1.85 million square feet of construction each day. Anyone can claim their building is sustainable. However, a LEED certification holds builders accountable through a structured, points-based rating system.

Earning a LEED certification comes along with many essential benefits, such as lending third-party credibility to an organization’s ability to develop a sustainable project. Not only does the certification process offer advice on the use of indoor and outdoor materials, but it also aids in reducing operational costs by encouraging the use of reduced and renewable energy sources.

This type of certification also indicates to the public where an organization’s priorities lie. It demonstrates a commitment to both sustainability and new green initiatives, building goodwill with the community as well as company stakeholders.

The number of LEED buildings is growing significantly in 2024. There are now 111,397 LEED projects and that number will likely grow over the next year.

5. Distributed Energy Systems

A distributed energy system (DES) controls generation, storage and energy monitoring solutions. Through the use of sensors, meters and actuators, the system can oversee and observe a building’s performance — including heating, cooling, lighting and more — as well as offer suggestions for cutting costs and improving reliability.

Many developers have decided to integrate a DES into their sustainable designs to take advantage of the plethora of benefits.

The benefits of a distributed energy system include:

• Reduced operational costs
• Improved energy reliability
• Reduced carbon footprint
• Additional revenue sources

Many developers have also used a DES to implement the electrification of a motor vehicle fleet, lowering costs and increasing uptime with a more reliable charging system.

6. EDGE Certification

EDGE stands for Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies, a certification which aims to increase construction efficiency in terms of energy, water, building materials and waste.

Getting started with EDGE is very simple for developers, starting with a downloadable software program which allows them to determine the ideal combination of building strategies for the best return on your investment. Upon completion of a project, whether it’s a home, office, hospital or warehouse, an independent panel of experts will audit it to determine if it meets the required standards.

Currently operating in over 130 countries, EDGE certification requires developers to commit to at least a 20 percent reduction in energy and water use as compared to a standard building.

7. Alternative Building Materials

Building and construction activities consume 3 billion tons of raw material each year globally. But this reliance on non-renewable materials has had a lasting impact on the environment and the number of available resources, meaning developers are looking for alternative materials to build with.

2024 has seen a surge in the number of builders using more sustainable methods, with common alternative materials including the following.

• Grasscrete: A technique of layering concrete flooring in a way that allows grass and flora to grow, creating a natural bio-filter and improving storm-water absorption.
• Bamboo: A cost-effective, quickly growing material that is easy to harvest, making it a sustainable material source.
• Recycled plastic: With a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, plastic is a durable and long-lasting building material.
• Wood: Use of wood absorbs carbon dioxide and requires less energy-intensive processing methods.
• Hempcrete: Made from hemp wood, water and lime, this sustainable material is durable and long-lasting.

Other alternatives to traditional building materials include papercrete, engineered wood, cob, steel frame and insulating concrete foam.

Using Green Building Practices

Green building initiatives are booming in popularity, especially with the threat of dwindling renewable resources and unpredictable climate changes. Green construction initiatives accounted for more than 3.3 million jobs in 2018 in the United States alone. That number rose to 303,500 jobs in 2024.

Industry experts also predict these new trends will heighten global awareness of green development in the years to come, leading to newly developed and more efficient sustainable initiatives.

The post The 7 Most Popular Green Building Practices in 2024 appeared first on Green Building Insider.

A common misconception about SBS, though, is that it only arises from older buildings. According to the World Health Organization, up to 30% of new and remodeled buildings worldwide are potential carriers of SBS. Today, many organizations have led a green building movement designed to help combat SBS. First, however, it is crucial to describe what SBS is and the factors that cause it.

What Is SBS?

Sick building syndrome is when a building’s occupants experience negative health effects when they spend time in that building. The most common symptoms of SBS include headaches, coughing, sleepiness, sore throat, dry eyes, dizziness and itchy skin.

Workers who spend eight hours a day in buildings that are not adequately maintained often report such symptoms. SBS symptoms commonly appear when workers return to the office after an extended break. To be able to combat sick building syndrome, it is vital to identify the factors that cause it.

Factors That Contribute to SBS

There are several factors that can contribute to SBS, such as the following.

1. Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is a major contributing factor to SBS. Indoor air quality refers to the standard of the conditioned air that circulates throughout buildings, and indoor air is the air we breathe throughout most of our lives. The EPA estimates that Americans, on average, spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors.

Inadequate ventilation can lower the IAQ of a building and lead to SBS. Buildings that have inadequate HVAC systems may not distribute air effectively to building occupants. Office buildings should provide a range of between 15 and 60 cfm of outdoor air per person to properly ventilate the space and maintain a comfortable environment for workers. This level of ventilation combats the buildup of carbon dioxide, which results from building occupants.

2. Chemical Contaminants From Inside the Building

Even if ventilation systems are cycling the recommended amount of air to building occupants, indoor air pollution may still be contributing to SBS. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, can cause acute health effects in those exposed to such chemicals regularly. Many everyday office items release VOCs, such as formaldehyde, through a process known as off-gassing. These office items include:

• Copy machines (toner)
• Cleaning products
• Carpeting
• Manufactured wood products

3. Outside Pollution

Along with inside sources of pollution, many harmful outside sources can impact the air quality of a building. If air intake vents are not placed in the correct location, outdoor pollutants such as exhaust can permeate throughout the building. Windows that are not properly sealed can also be entrance points for such harmful sources of pollution.

One incredibly harmful source of outside pollution is silica. Silica is a common mineral found in the earth’s crust. However, when it is pulverized, its particles become 100 times finer than a grain of sand. Respirable crystalline silica is created through activities such as construction and masonry. This airborne form of silica is toxic to humans and can cause silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and kidney disease.

If offices or homes are located next to construction sites, such dangerous particles could diffuse through the building through air intake vents or unsealed windows. To protect building occupants from outside sources of pollution, routine checks should be completed to ensure the building is properly sealed, and HVAC systems are maintained.

Negative Impact of SBS on the Office Environment

Sick building syndrome has the potential to lead to severe monetary losses for companies. Workers experiencing symptoms of SBS have been proven to be less productive and have higher rates of absenteeism than healthy employees.

Studies have shown that productivity losses of two percent result from the presence of such symptoms. This loss of productivity equates to an annual loss of around $60 billion per year. Higher health-care insurance costs can also be attributed to SBS. To prevent injuries from SBS, intelligent businesses have taken a green approach both to building and renovating their facilities.

Ways to Make Your Building Greener

The green building movement has offered a path forward for companies to prevent their employees from experiencing SBS symptoms. Several different green measures should be employed to ensure a building’s condition does not negatively impact the health of occupants. Here are just a few ways you can make your building greener.

1. Increase Ventilation Rates

Increasing ventilation rates is one approach to improving the work environment, and installing operable windows is one way to accomplish this. Operable windows allow occupants to open windows so that outside air can be filtered within the building. To save energy, operable windows can be fitted with a switch to ensure HVAC systems turn off in that specific zone so as not to waste energy when the window is open. If operable windows are not integrated into the HVAC system, energy usage can rise as much as 30 percent. Increasing ventilation rates also helps to prevent carbon dioxide buildup.

If you’re worried about the cost of extra ventilation methods, studies have shown that revenue produced by higher productivity can offset the costs associated with increased ventilation.

2. Use Low-VOC Emitting Materials

VOCs are a leading cause of SBS. Companies must make a concerted effort to avoid artificial building materials that emit high levels of VOCs. Using more sustainable products, such as green cleaners, helps to ensure that IAQ remains high. Although the initial cost of low-VOC items may be higher, it has been shown that gains achieved from creating a more comfortable work environment offset these costs.

3. Incorporate Interior Landscaping

A simple yet effective approach to improving conditions inside the building is to grow plants. Plants can improve IAQ levels and filter out carbon dioxide. Additionally, plants such as dracaena, help remove VOCs from the air. Interior landscaping can also reduce stress among employees.

4. Become LEED Certified

A certification known as Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) was created to help organizations implement impactful green building solutions. The U.S. Green Building Council sponsors the LEED Certification and offers resources for companies on how to construct green buildings.

Scorecards are also provided to companies to grade their progress on meeting LEED standards.  Different grades are issued based on a company’s selected methods. An accreditation from LEED signals that companies are taking a stand to work toward a more sustainable future.

Go Green and Help Your Employees Thrive

By employing green building strategies, companies can help mitigate the costs associated with sick building syndrome. Additionally, when you put these green methods to use in your building, you can create a healthy place for your employees to work and thrive.

The post How Greener Buildings Can Reduce Sick Building Syndrome appeared first on Green Building Insider.

There are several LEED certification frameworks, and each has been developed for the needs of a different type of project:

• BD+C: Building design and construction
• O+M: Building operations and maintenance
• ID+C: Interior design and construction
• Homes
• ND: Neighborhood development

LEED certification is based on a series of credits that each award a specified number of points. In the case of new constructions and major renovations, the maximum possible score is 110. Building projects must have a score of at least 40 to be certified, and there are also three higher tiers: Silver (50+), Gold (60+) and Platinum (80+).

It is important to note that some LEED credits are mandatory for certification. A building that misses even one of the mandatory credits becomes ineligible, regardless of the score obtained.

How a LEED Score is Broken Down

As mentioned above, not all LEED credits have the same weight towards a building certification. For example, up to 6 points can be claimed for water use reduction, but there are 18 points available for energy performance. Project developers can aim for any combination of credits to certify a building, as long as the mandatory items are covered.

LEED credits are classified into eight categories, which add up 109 points. An additional point can be claimed by following an integrative process from the start of the project, bringing the maximum score to 110. The eight LEED categories and their possible points are the following:

• Location and transportation – 16
• Sustainable sites – 10
• Water efficiency – 11
• Energy and atmosphere – 33
• Materials and resources – 13
• Indoor environmental quality – 16
• Innovation – 6
• Regional priority – 4

The first six categories are equal for all projects, with a predefined list of credits. The 16 points under Location and Transportation can be earned automatically by selecting a site that is already certified under LEED for Neighborhood Development.

The innovation category grants up to 5 points for measures that reduce the impact of a building and are not covered in other categories. As their name implies, regional priority credits are based on geographic location. They cover measures that offer a particularly high benefit under local conditions.

Considering the wide range of technical areas covered, LEED certification requires a multidisciplinary effort. GBCI manages the application process for a LEED certified building, reviewing the credits for which the building is applying. Credits are awarded or denied based on the information provided, and additional information may be requested by GBCI to complete the certification process.

The Importance of Required Credits in LEED Certification

Required credits do not have a score attached to them, but they are mandatory for a LEED certified building. Note that required credits are independent from the LEED score: even if a building project earns more than 80 points, it cannot get a Platinum certification if any of the required credits was missed.

The following credits are mandatory for LEED certification in new construction and major renovations:

Depending on the type of project, additional credits may also be mandatory. For example, schools must meet all the credits in the table above, as well as an Environmental Site Assessment (Sustainable Sites) and Minimum Acoustic Performance (Indoor Environmental Quality).

When getting a LEED certification for a building, a recommended practice is aiming for a number of credits that leaves a margin of error. For example, if a developer plans for a LEED Gold certification, the project should aim well above 60 credits. That way, some credits can be rejected without bringing the project to a lower certification category.

Construction administration is also vital when a developer is working towards a LEED certification. LEED credits cover not only the finished building, but also its construction process. Even if the finished building consumes minimal amounts of water and energy, the LEED certification may be denied if the construction process was very polluting, or lacking in waste management practices.

Does a LEED Certification Offer Competitive Advantages?

Since an LEED certification demands a minimum performance level in water and energy use, the building owner can expect lower operating costs throughout the service life of the property. However, the certification also provides business benefits for developers who have tenant spaces for rent, especially in competitive markets like New York City and Chicago.

If a potential tenant is considering several spaces for rent, the LEED certification level of a building can be an important factor in the decision. Considering that the program has global recognition, using commercial spaces with a LEED certification can boost corporate image. Since the certification covers water conservation, energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality, it is associated with reduced utility bills and a human-friendly working environment.

LEED for Building Professionals

The LEED program not only offers building certification, but also professional credentials:

• The entry-level credential is called LEED Green Associate, and it requires a specified number of training hours and passing an exam.
• Professionals with advanced knowledge on green buildings can apply for the LEED Accredited Professional credential, and there is a version of LEED AP for each of the five frameworks listed above.
• Finally, a LEED Fellow is a LEED AP with an exceptional track record in the green building industry. There is no application procedure – LEED Fellows are nominated.

Although a building can be certified without a LEED AP, the process is much simpler when one of the team members has advanced knowledge on the topic. In fact, the building project earns one point in the Innovation category for having a LEED AP as a team member with a principal role.

The post What Aspects Are Considered for a LEED Certified Building? appeared first on Green Building Insider.