7 ways to make project Energy and atmosphere more efficient:
Steps in your green building process ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
BY JOSEPH AZAR
February 2023
Designing for a Sustainable Future: Applying LEED Energy and Atmosphere Credits in Architecture
As architects, we have a responsibility to design buildings that not only meet the functional and aesthetic needs of our clients but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. With climate change and the depletion of natural resources becoming increasingly urgent issues, integrating sustainable design principles into architecture is more critical than ever. This article focuses on how to apply sustainability in architecture through the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) credit category within the LEED certification system.
Understanding LEED Certification
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the most widely used green building rating system globally. LEED certification is awarded based on a point system across categories such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor environmental quality. The more points a building earns, the higher its certification level—ranging from Certified to Platinum.
The Impact of Buildings on Energy Consumption
Buildings are the largest consumers of energy worldwide, accounting for approximately 40% of global energy use. This consumption presents a significant opportunity for architects to reduce energy demand and mitigate environmental impacts. With global energy use continuing to rise, sustainable architectural practices are vital for resource conservation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
As a LEED AP (BD+C)—a credential specializing in Building Design and Construction—I will outline key strategies to enhance energy efficiency and meet LEED’s Energy and Atmosphere requirements.
1. Fundamental Commissioning and Verification
Commissioning (Cx) ensures that building systems are planned, installed, and tested to operate as intended. Both the owner and the architect are responsible for integrating a commissioning plan into construction documentation and ensuring its implementation.
Key components of the commissioning process:
- Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR): The owner must document specific performance goals (e.g., energy targets, HVAC efficiency).
- Basis of Design (BOD): The design team develops this document based on the OPR, detailing technical approaches like assemblies and system choices.
Systems to Commission Include:
- HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
- Lighting and daylighting controls
- Domestic hot water systems
- On-site renewable energy (e.g., solar, wind)
- Building envelope (critical for energy performance)
- Life safety and fire protection systems
2. Optimizing Energy Performance
Reducing energy consumption is a core LEED objective. Projects must exceed the baseline efficiency defined by ASHRAE 90.1-2010 through one of the following methods:
Method 1: Whole Building Energy Simulation
- Requires energy modeling to quantify energy use.
- Minimum energy reduction targets:
- 5% for new construction
- 3% for major renovations
- 2% for core and shell projects
- Savings are calculated based on energy cost, excluding renewable contributions.
Method 2: ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide (AEDG)
- Suitable for specific building types:
- Small to medium offices (<100,000 sq. ft.)
- K-12 schools, large hospitals (>100,000 sq. ft.)
- Medium/large retail (20,000–100,000 sq. ft.)
- Collaboration with mechanical and plumbing engineers is required to meet HVAC and service water standards.
Method 3: Advanced Buildings Core Performance Guide (CPG)
- Applies to buildings under 100,000 sq. ft.
- Strategies include:
- Supply air temperature reset
- Premium economizer performance
- Variable-speed control systems
3. Fundamental Refrigerant Management
To protect the atmosphere, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) must be completely eliminated from new construction. For existing buildings with CFC systems, a phase-out plan must be implemented.
Key Guidelines:
- Use refrigerants with Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) = 0 and Global Warming Potential (GWP) < 50.
- Adhere to EPA standards for ozone-depleting substances.
4. Energy Metering
Energy metering provides real-time data on building performance, helping to identify inefficiencies and optimize energy use.
Basic Metering Requirements:
- Measure total energy consumption (e.g., electricity, natural gas, biomass).
- Install at least one energy meter per floor for each energy type.
Advanced Energy Metering (recommended for better insights):
- Collects data hourly, daily, monthly, and annually.
- Requires analysis support from the commissioning authority.
5. Demand Response
Demand response (DR) programs reduce energy consumption during peak demand periods, preventing blackouts and reducing utility costs.
Best Practices for DR:
- Ensure at least 10% of peak demand is flexible for reduction.
- Install infrastructure for future DR participation, even if unavailable.
- Prioritize fully automated DR systems for seamless energy adjustment.
6. Renewable Energy Production
Incorporating on-site renewable energy can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels. LEED requires a minimum contribution of 1% of total energy from renewables.
Eligible Renewable Sources:
- Photovoltaic (solar power)
- Solar thermal systems
- Wind energy
- Geothermal energy (heating and electric)
- Low-impact hydroelectric
- Biomass
Alternatively, projects can sign a 10-year contract for off-site renewable energy within the same utility service area.
7. Green Power and Carbon Offsets
To further reduce a building’s environmental footprint, projects should purchase green power and carbon offsets for at least 5 years.
Guidelines for Offsets:
- Carbon offsets must be Green-e Climate Certified or equivalent.
- Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) must be Green-e certified to offset electricity use.
- Differentiate between direct emissions (e.g., on-site fuel combustion) and indirect emissions (e.g., purchased electricity).
Conclusion: Designing for Long-Term Sustainability
Architects play a pivotal role in guiding clients toward sustainable choices that yield long-term benefits. By integrating energy-efficient systems, renewable energy, and advanced metering, architects can deliver projects that meet functional needs while protecting the environment.
Sustainable architecture is not just an ethical responsibility—it is a strategic investment in the future. Through careful planning and adherence to LEED’s Energy and Atmosphere credits, we can create buildings that embody innovation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.
Artist/Architect/ LEED AP (BD+C)
Computational/ Environmental design
Enjoyed this article? Discover more in the Blog section