Buildings have significant and complex impacts both in their construction and in their use. Green building rating systems have been developed and promoted in more economically-advanced countries to offer guidelines to reduce negative impacts and to promote sustainable practices of building construction and operations. The green building rating system called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), established in 1995 by the U.S. Green Building Council, is increasingly accepted as a meaningful measure for sustainability in building design and construction in the U.S. The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) rating system in the U.K. and the Green Star rating system in Australia serve similar roles in their respective areas. How applicable are these green building rating systems to countries with different building cultures, climates and economic parameters? The research is based on my work as an architect and participant observer using case study analysis of several buildings that I have designed in Madagascar and Tanzania. The research indicates that several important aspects particular to the developing country contexts of Madagascar and Tanzania — such as labor and security - are not addressed by existing green building rating systems that have been developed in the context of more economically-advanced countries. Such rating systems typically give prominence to aspects such as mechanical systems and indoor air quality that are of limited relevance to the contexts of Madagascar and Tanzania. The results have implications for the development of green building rating systems that address the particular contexts of developing countries. By taking into account parameters such as those found in Madagascar and Tanzania and similar developing countries, the benefits of using an accepted measure of sustainability can be more effectively extended to the developing country sector. / Ph. D.

This manuscript provides an understanding of water conservation related innovations in green buildings, both in terms of what is being selected in design phase and how professionals perceive their experiences with these innovations. The innovations examined include toilets, showers, sinks, plumbing, water heating, appliances, alternative water sources, landscaping, performance monitoring, and user education. It contains a literature review of unanticipated consequences associated with these innovations, and creates a framework for categorizing these based on a synthesis of the literature of unanticipated consequences. A review of certification documents from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system identifies what landscaping, toilet, and shower innovations are most commonly designed for in LEED certified buildings. These data are also used to identify differences in innovation selection across climate regimes. An internet survey of green building professionals provides a picture of satisfaction with these innovations in practice. It also gives examples of these experiences so that future users can take advantage or take caution as necessary. / Master of Science

Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-15T19:21:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Mariana Feres dos Santos .pdf: 10236399 bytes, checksum: c8342a03d98aa6f0259bf187860cab0e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-03-14 / The job is to analyze the certification system LEED, one of the most used and recognized in Brazil, through a case study of the first building to receive the highest level of the LEED CS certification in Latin American. The certification has been used to prove that a building is sustainable and this job analyzes the building using an architectural point of view, verifying if the certification ensures that the building has a sustainable architecture. The job will begin with a brief history about how sustainable development joined the world speech, explaining some of the key concepts related do the topic. After that, some examples of sustainable architecture and its definition will be shown. For the analysis of LEED, two other certifications were chosen for a brief comparative scenario: BREEAM, the first certification to be used and which served as the basis for many others, and AQUA, another certification that has been used in Brazil. For the case study of Eldorado Business Tower, it will be done a brief history of the project and an analysis of the building through the project, the certification process and observations made in the visit to the site. / O trabalho consiste na análise da certificação LEED, uma das mais utilizadas e reconhecidas no Brasil, através de um estudo de caso do primeiro edifício a receber o mais alto nível da certificação LEED CS na América Latina. A certificação tem sido utilizada como meio de comprovação que um edifício é sustentável e esse trabalho analisa o edifício do ponto de vista arquitetônico, verificando se a certificação garante a este uma arquitetura sustentável. O desenvolvimento do trabalho começa com um breve histórico sobre como o desenvolvimento sustentável entrou para o discurso mundial, explicando alguns dos principais conceitos relacionados ao tema. Em seguida, são mostrados exemplos de arquitetura classificada como sustentável e a definição desta. Para a análise do LEED, é desenvolvido um breve cenário comparativo entre duas outras certificações: o BREEAM, a primeira certificação a ser utilizada e que serviu como base para muitas outras, e o AQUA, outra certificação que vem sendo utilizada no Brasil. Para o estudo de caso do Eldorado Business Tower, é feito um breve histórico do projeto e uma análise do edifício a partir do projeto, do processo de certificação e de observações realizadas em visita feita ao local.

Målet är att identifiera och ge fullständiga åtgärdsförslag på energieffektiviseringar för att minskaenergianvändningen med 25 % och därmed uppnå kraven för Green Building. De fullständigaåtgärdsförslagen ska redovisa ekonomi-, miljö- och hälsoaspekter.För att uppnå syftet med examensarbetet har ett konsekvent tillvägagångssätt använts för attidentifiera potentiella energieffektiviseringar för Smaland Airport. Med hjälp av den bakomliggandestudien ”Energieffektiviseringar Smaland Airport 2010-2011” analyserades kartläggningen avflygplatsens system och processer.Den totala energibesparingen för Smaland Airport uppgår till 646,1 MWh eller 22,04 % vilket fallerinom ramen för Sveriges klimatmål med en sänkt energianvändning på 20 % fram till och med 2020från 2008 års nivå. För att uppnå denna besparing krävs investeringar på 2,78 Mkr. Den årligareduceringen av koldioxid som fås av föreslagna energieffektiviseringar uppgår till 49,53 ton. Dengenomsnittliga pay-off tiden för investeringarna är 7,6 år vilket visar på attenergieffektiviseringsarbetet på Smaland Airport anses vara ekonomiskt försvarbart sett från ettlångsiktigt perspektiv.Energibesparingen som Green Building baseras på uppgår till 556MWh eller 23,15 % vilket inte ärtillräckligt för att klara huvudmålet på 25 % som krävs för att få fastigheten Green Buildingcertifierad. För att lyckas med huvudmålet krävs det att fler energieffektiviseringar identifieras och genomförs. / The goal is to identify and provide complete proposals for actions on energy efficiency to reduceenergy usage by 25 % and thus achieve the requirements for Green Building. The proposals shallaccount for economic, environmental as well as health aspects.To meet the objective of the thesis a consistent approach was used to identify potential energyefficiency of Smaland Airport. With help of the underlying study "Energy Efficiencies of SmalandAirport, 2010-2011" the airport's systems and processes were surveyed and analyzed.The total energy savings of Smaland Airport amounting to 646.1 MWh or 22.04% which falls withinthe framework of Sweden's climate goals with a lower consumption of 20% until 2020 from 2008levels. The requested investment to achieve these savings amounts to 2.78 million crowns. Theannual reduction of carbon dioxide obtained by the proposed energy efficienciesamounts to 49.53 tonnes. The average pay-off period for proposed investments is 7.6 years whichindicates that the energy efficiency work at Smaland Airport is considered to be economicallyjustified, as seen from a long term perspective.Energy savings from green building based on the amount to 556MWh or 23.15% is not enough tomeet the primary objective of 25% which is required to obtain property Green Building certified. Toachieve the main goal requires more energy efficiency measures identified and implemented.

Indoor sources of air pollution generate a large fraction of overall human exposure to airborne pollutants. Materials used in buildings have been shown to be a major contributor to indoor air pollution, with green building agencies setting guidelines limiting their primary emissions. However, such guidelines neglect secondary emissions resulting from chemistry occurring in indoor spaces. Furthermore, limited knowledge exists regarding ozone reactions and green building materials. This study focuses on the primary aldehyde emissions, ozone deposition velocity, and secondary emissions from three green building materials: recycled carpet, sustainable ceiling tile, and low-VOC paint and primer on recycled drywall. Ozone reactions resulted in secondary aldehyde emissions ranging from no increased secondary emissions to 237 µg m-2 hr-1. Modeling results suggest that these emissions can cause concentration increases beyond odor thresholds. / text

This dissertation examines the growth of environmentally sustainable commercial building practices as a voluntary, market-based standard called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), created by the US Green Building Council. I address how environmental ideals became institutionalized and integrated into the design and construction of commercial buildings through the growth of this standard. My goal is to discuss the site at which an ideal becomes a part of organizational practice and to discuss mechanisms by which social movement ideals become institutionalized without the state as a coercive force.First, I look at the historical context in which the environmental movement and the green building movement emerged to see understand adoption of voluntary market-based standards. The USGBC was able to bring together three disparate forms: environmental ideals, the creation of a voluntary standard and a market-based profit focus. I examine how the decentralized environmental movement, the rise of "third wave" environmentalism and corporate strategic environmentalism and a lack of political opportunity made this new form a useful strategy for the movement. Then I examine the importance of the LEED AP accreditation program as a mechanism for integrating green practices into professional work by socializing them through three frames, the LEED system, integrated design and high efficiency buildings. I introduce a new model called hybrid professionalization to explain the integration of social movement ideals across an industry and with a variety of professional groups. Finally, I turn to the demand side of the field to examine the role of organizational consumers and their strategies to rationalize green building to stakeholders. I discuss various ways that green buildings allowed organizations to display and enact their greenness.

While in recent years Cal Poly has moved in the direction of sustainable building, my research indicates that where other CSU’s have succeeded, Cal Poly has been challenged in developing the type of green buildings that would truly make new construction projects more sustainable. The most commonly cited barriers are cost and lack of funding. The outcome however (as evidenced by other CSU’s) is not just driven by the state’s capital outlay process that has historically supported new construction on CSU campuses. It is determined by the priorities, perceptions and values that have influenced Cal Poly’s decision makers and driven campus practices. The purpose of this study is to develop an understanding of and solution for the barriers to green buildings on the Cal Poly campus that can be used as a model for other universities. Using a qualitative analysis supported by interviews, case studies, literature and policy review, and industry reports, I identify and examine the elements of the funding paradigm beyond the traditional funding mechanisms for capital projects within the CSU to propose a solution for Cal Poly. This includes exposing the perceptions about the cost of green construction (and LEED™ certification) and identifying cost reduction strategies; addressing the university’s leadership, values and organization around sustainability priorities, including the need to approach building projects more holistically; examining the university’s ability to capitalize on alternative resources; and, finally, presenting a theory on the marketability of green construction, including use of LEED™ as a fundraising tool. If adopted, I posit that Cal Poly can (and should) transform the funding paradigm to adopt a sustainability paradigm in support of higher performing, green buildings.

An individual’s housing situation can have a significant impact on their well-being and overall health. Low-income individuals and those on social assistance often have little choice in housing. Increased housing satisfaction can have an immediate impact on quality of life and can also have influence in the longer-term. This case study examines the satisfaction and well-being of tenants in a Winnipeg, Manitoba low-income housing project. The buildings that are part of the Kikinaw Housing Project were renovated using green building strategies, a tenant-centred management model is being implemented, and there are several social supports available exclusively to tenants. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with tenants, support staff and management. The practicum concludes that tenants are more satisfied with their living conditions at Kikinaw compared to their previous residence. Residents generally feel better about their health, have more social ties, and take pride in their homes. This improvement in tenant’s lives in turn strengthens the community. The practicum concludes with eight recommendations for housing providers, policy makers, and government bodies. These are divided into three categories: delivery of services, funding provisions and policy, and green and community enhancements. Recommendations include: i) more tenant involvement, ii) improving people’s ability to deal with stress, iii) flexible funding and support, iv) consistent funding and cooperation, v) enhancing social interaction and community, vi) green housing for all incomes levels, vii) resident education about the project, viii) healthy housing policy and healthy public policy. / February 2008

This thesis is an exploration of how to do sustainable development for buildings, especially during the earliest stages of such development. The thesis starts by considering clear definitions of sustainability, development and sustainable development as these concepts apply to organizations in general and as they apply specifically to the charity All Our Relations (AOR) and their community of the Region of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. Three critical challenges to the process of development are also discussed in these early chapters, namely assessment, vision and feedback. In the third chapter, these same challenges are put under the lens of sustainable development and three new, but related, challenges of connection complexity, shared futures and resilience are examined to better understand the problems and solutions that surround them. At the end of this broad introductory section, AOR’s relationships with the community are explored as part of their efforts to draft an organization-wide sustainability plan. The second part of the thesis is an attempt to apply and expand on the general ideas from the first half through a focus on buildings and specifically the building of AOR’s planned Hospice and Retreat Centre in Bloomingdale, Ontario. As part of the focus on sustainable buildings, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) system of assessing building impacts is presented and critiqued. As part of a focus on building developments the earlier challenges of assessment, vision and feedback are revisited as they apply to the concept design phase of the typical building design. The final three chapters of the thesis are a synthesis of all the previous chapters and the formal presentation of the case study concept development for the AOR building. A full summary of all previous definitions are presented and the final definition of sustainable building development is expressed as a culmination and extension of its parts: Sustainable building development is a process of creating space-for-use which recognizes both the importance of space in our lives and the impact that developing that space has on our greater goal to pursue sustainability. Potential critiques of this definition are discussed and two methods of engaging in the difficult challenges of sustainable building development are presented: the decider’s dilemma and the life-cycle-service-network model of connection complexity. Finally, the case study use of LEED as a guide for doing sustainable development in buildings is contrasted against the author’s proposed approaches. Through a series of qualitative and quantitative observations based on the results from the case study design, LEED is revealed as being effective mostly as an early guide, but lacking in the rigor and complexity needed to address properly the challenges of building sustainability.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is one of the environmental assessment tools available to gauge buildings. This rating system is a voluntary system which does not include financial aspects in the evaluation framework. This poses a challenge for encouraging land development projects, since developers consider financial or economic return as a crucial factor before building a project. It becomes essential to know if market really accepts the economic worth of LEED ratings. This research attempted to find out relationship between economic worth of a land and parameters (measurements), which are essential to earn LEED sustainable rating for public transportation access. To find out this relationship and to recognize power of the LEED measurements to predict the appraised value of a land (dollars per square foot) various statistical models were used and predictive equations produced. The observational units were properties in Harris County, Texas that were unimproved and had zero improvement value. The dependent variable was unit value of the property measured in dollars per square foot. The independent variables were measurements that are required for a parcel to earn LEED sustainable site rating for public transportation access and the area of parcel. Data regarding appraised values and land area were acquired from the Harris County Appraisal District and transportation data was obtained from Houston- Galveston Area Council. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze different models and to develop predictive equations. Findings suggest that LEED green building rating system influences the appraised value, dollars per square foot, of properties. It further implies that market considers the economic effect of the LEED rating system even if this assessment method does not explicitly include financial aspects in the evaluation framework. Findings of this research also suggest that a sustainable feature of a site is related to the economic worth of a related land development project. This will provide encouragement for new sustainable land development projects. This will provide an economic incentive to the owners and developers. Developers will get encouragement to select a site located closer to mass transit networks.