Sustainable new building ratings

courtesy : Sustainable new building ratings

Benefits of Sustainable Building Certification

One of the leading benefits for owners to build Sustainable buildings is to save significant money on power, heating, and cooling costs over the life of the building. Many Sustainable certification programs require a reduction in energy use over a specific baseline. This allows owners to easily calculate their payback period and ongoing return on investment. Savings rates vary widely depending on the methods employed and building type, but there are many net-zero energy-use buildings and even some net-positive buildings that generate more energy than they use.

Commissioning was once one of the things that would get eliminated to save first-costs. Since many certification programs require commissioning of the building systems, and sometimes even the exterior enclosure, owners now see the benefit. Systems are verified to be operating as designed, which makes occupants happier and healthier while saving on energy costs and improving equipment longevity.

Work and learning performance is improved with healthier buildings. While performance gains are harder to calculate (studies range from 4% to 60% improvement), most studies show that work performance is improved with the removal of indoor pollutants and improved ventilation. Certification ensures that design and construction teams meet criteria for improving indoor air quality, thus leading to improved student education and workforce efficiency.

The value of a building can also increase when it has received a Sustainable building certification. According to a 2016 Morgan Stanley report, investor return is driven by 10 key factors that sustainable buildings help improve:

• Waste Expenses
• Energy Expenses
• Water Expenses
• Leasing Expenses
• Maintenance and Repair Costs
• Insurance Cost
• Financing Cost
• Occupancy Rate
• Rent Premium
• Property Value

The property value increases when operating expenses go down while rent and occupancy rates increase. The certification itself doesn’t add value, but it identifies a property that has reduced operating expenses and increased occupant satisfaction. The improved metrics can be, and have been, demonstrated as the report shows. The Morgan Stanley report references three studies that point to a 10% to 30% sale premium for buildings with sustainable certifications.

Sadly, as you can see above, most of the perceived benefits of Sustainable building tend to revolve around money since that gives us a tangible metric to calculate the effects. Improved human health and happiness cannot be calculated, but is also an incredibly important factor that should not be overlooked. All of us want to live long, healthy, and happy lives. Since so much of our time is spent indoors, we should strive for the best environment possible.

#Benefits of Sustainable Building Certification

#Sustainable new building ratings

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