flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Energy efficiency ratings not reflecting true energy use

Codes and Standards

Energy efficiency ratings not reflecting true energy use

Highest rated U.K. buildings are less efficient than lower rated ones.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | February 7, 2022
Energy efficiency rating

Courtesy Pixabay

Recent findings from the Better Buildings Partnership raise serious questions about the efficacy of energy efficiency ratings used in the United Kingdom.

The study found that buildings that have received the highest rating—an A Energy Performance Certificate—use more energy than some of their peers rated C, D, E, or F. The analysis of self-reported energy data in 2020 for more than 1,100 commercial properties found that the median energy intensity for all B-rated buildings is higher than for C-rated buildings.

The disparity between how buildings are designed and their actual greenhouse gas emissions is widespread in the U.K. The findings are in line with past evidence that green building certifications based on predicted energy use don’t necessarily translate to energy savings in the field.

Some studies have found that LEED certification yields better energy efficiency, but others have found that certified buildings use more energy than non-certified buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council maintains that its own research shows certified buildings are overall more efficient.

Part of the explanation for the disparity between ratings systems and real-world results could be due to the limitation of assessments that only predict potential energy efficiency. In practice, building management systems may not be set up or used properly. In addition, people sometimes undo the efficiency design by bringing fans into buildings or installing additional air conditioners.

Related Stories

Legislation | Nov 13, 2022

U.S. voters pass numerous affordable housing measures

Voters in many U.S. jurisdictions passed housing measures Nov. 8 that will collectively set aside billions of dollars in new funding to create more affordable housing and provide protections for renters.

Industry Research | Nov 8, 2022

U.S. metros take the lead in decarbonizing their built environments

A new JLL report evaluates the goals and actions of 18 cities.

Resiliency | Nov 8, 2022

Oregon wildfire risk law prompts extensive backlash from property owners

A bipartisan bill aimed at protecting property owners from wildfires that was passed by the Oregon legislature has prompted a strong backlash.

Green | Nov 8, 2022

USGBC and IWBI will develop dual certification pathways for LEED and WELL

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) will expand their strategic partnership to develop dual certification pathways for LEED and WELL.

Sponsored | Steel Buildings | Nov 7, 2022

Steel structures offer faster path to climate benefits

Faster delivery of buildings isn’t always associated with sustainability benefits or long-term value, but things are changing. An instructive case is in the development of steel structures that not only allow speedier erection times, but also can reduce embodied carbon and create durable, highly resilient building approaches.

Building Team | Nov 7, 2022

U.S. commercial buildings decreased energy use intensity from 2012 to 2018

The recently released 2018 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) by the U.S. Energy Information Administration found that the total floorspace in commercial buildings has increased but energy consumption has not, compared with the last survey analyzing the landscape in 2012.

Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2022

New York City construction official wants to boost design-build

The new associate commissioner of alternative delivery in New York City’s Department of Design and Construction aims to encourage more design-build project delivery in the city.

| Nov 1, 2022

Updated Florida building codes helped newer homes withstand Hurricane Ian

Newer homes seemed to fare much better than older structures during Hurricane Ian, suggesting that updated Florida building codes made a difference.

Data Centers | Oct 31, 2022

Data center construction facing record-breaking inflation, delays

Data center construction projects face record-breaking inflation amid delays to materials deliveries and competition for skilled labor, according to research from global professional services company Turner & Townsend.

Energy Efficient Roofing | Oct 28, 2022

Rooftop mini turbines can pair with solar panels

A new type of wind turbine can pair well on roofs with solar panels, offering a double source of green energy generation for buildings.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021