Green Building - Not so Green?

A recent article suggests that current LEED buildings are not as energy efficient as traditional, non-LEED buildings. Findings suggest that the LEED rating system does not necessarily support construction of energy efficient buildings, and may in fact hinder this goal.

While the findings of this article are debatable, there is no question that "green washing" occurs in many industries, and that construction is not immune to this trend. Programs such as LEED try to balance many complicated factors that affect the environment, and unfortunately companies may choose the cheapest or most expedient means to achieve LEED points (and hence achieve LEED certification), which can cause building designers to overlook something as important as energy efficiency. An unintended consequence of playing the LEED points "game" may unfortunately include lower overall energy efficiency.

CCR ASSOCIATES has noticed that construction methods commonly used in LEED buildings may aversely affect office acoustics. As always, it seems that common sense should guide decision making. Do the math when it comes to energy loss and consumption, material costs, and the possible costs involved in remediation (acoustical or otherwise). Acoustic components, such as acoustic ceilings, panels, flooring, and sound masking systems, are all energy efficient as well as economical. Credits for acoustic components are available for certain LEED projects.