1. Sustainability Strategies of U.S. Universities and Federal Buildings
Amy A. Kim and Lysandra A. Medal | University of Washington
Objective
Categories of Performance Metrics
Investigate the existing sustainable building design guidelines of large institutions in the U.S.
Project Delivery
Transportation & Material
Maintenance & Operation
Energy
Air, Water, Site
: Selected university institutions
Steps
Lessons Learned
Going Forward
Select U.S. universities in various climatic zones
Identify the characteristics of each university (i.e. campus and building area, locale and control)
Identify rating system and other applicable standards for selected campus buildings
Identify rating system and other standards for all federal buildings
Synthesize the categories of performance metrics
Sustainability goals and strategies need to be easily measured and data source should be identified in both the design and operational phases
Checklist is a popular way to track performance
Sustainability lessons learned should be documented and incorporated in future building projects
University and federal buildings are using third-party rating systems in meeting their sustainability requirements. LEED is the most popular, followed by Green Globe or equivalent
Adopting a single green building design standard is challenging. Beyond third-party rating systems, the institutions have and continue to develop their own policies and metrics to reflect the unique culture and specific requirements of their institutions
Training for building users and operators is crucial to ensure proper building operation and maintenance and occupant comfort
Training
More emphasis on people as studies show a direct relationship between indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and the impact on people
People
The next generation of building standards emphasize integrating neuroscience, psychology, human resource, and IEQ
New Standards