Energy-Efficiency Standards and Green Building Certification Systems

This issue includes a cost-benefit analysis, return on investment, and long-term payback for the building standards and green building certification systems

The report also includes a copy of DOD policy prescribing a comprehensive strategy for the pursuit of design and building standards across the department that include specific energy-efficiency standards and sustainable design attributes for military construction based on the cost-benefit analysis, return on investment, and demonstrated payback required for the aforementioned building standards and green building certification systems.

Contents
SUMMARY
1 INTRODUCTION
Context
Federal Laws and Mandates
Building Standards and Green Building Certification Systems
Impetus for this Study and the Statement of Task
Complexity of the Task
The Committee’s Approach
2 THE DOD OPERATING ENVIRONMENT, BUILDING STANDARDS AND GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION SYSTEMS
The DOD Operating Environment
ASHRAE Standards
Green Building Certification Systems
Similarities and Differences Between the LEED and Green Globes
Green Building Certification Systems
3 THE COMMITTEE’S EVALUATION OF THE DOD CONSULTANT’S REPORT
Definition and Use of Selected Economic Performance Methods and Measures
Issues Related to the Measurement of Building Performance
Description of the DOD Consultant’s Analytical Approach
Committee’s Evaluation of the DOD Consultant’s Analytical Approach
4 BENEFITS AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH-PERFORMANCE OR GREEN BUILDINGS: SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW
Overview of Findings from the Studies Analyzed
Energy Use
Water Use
Operations and Maintenance Costs
Indoor Environmental Quality and Worker Productivity
Incremental Costs to Design and Construct High-Performance Buildings
Conclusions
5 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDED APPROACHES FOR DOD’S CONSIDERATION
Findings
Recommended Approaches for DOD’s Consideration
6 REFERENCES
APPENDIXES
A Biosketches of Committee Members
B Committee Meetings, Briefings, and Public Comment
C The DOD Consultant’s Report
D Literature Review
E Guiding Principles for Federal Leadership in High-Performance and Sustainable Buildings
F Acronyms and Abbreviations