What are the most effective green building technologies for a LEED-certified project?

In Brazil, one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency is through the use of renewable energy. One viable alternative is solar energy, given that we are in a country blessed with sunlight throughout all seasons of the year. Solar energy in Brazil is undergoing a revolution in 2024, with significant investments being made and the carbon market being regulated. As a result, implementing these projects is economically viable and environmentally appropriate, with returns much quicker compared to just a few years ago.

If we look at LEED credits/prerequisites, it can be observed that they are asking for EA Credit: Renewable Energy. They are recommending the use of renewable energy to offset the building energy costs. They also have given renewable energy calculation equations to see how much renewable energy needs to be incorporated depending on the project you have.

The most effective green building technologies for a LEED-certified project include implementing energy-efficient HVAC systems, utilizing sustainable and recycled building materials, incorporating renewable energy sources such as solar panels, integrating smart building technologies for energy management, and optimizing water conservation through efficient plumbing fixtures and greywater recycling systems. Additionally, green roofs, high-performance insulation, and passive design strategies contribute to achieving LEED certification by promoting energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in building construction and operation.

Solar PV systems harness energy from the sun to generate electricity on-site, reducing reliance on grid-supplied power and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Integrating solar panels into building design or installing them on rooftops or parking structures can help offset energy consumption and earn LEED points in the Energy and Atmosphere category.

To meet the requirements of the LEED certification, they have given a category of Heat Island Reduction. For that firstly you need to understand what the heat island effect is. We can observe that the highly congested building areas like city centres etc are experiencing more temperature as compared to semi-urban areas around. It's because buildings, roads and other built-in structures absorb the sunlight. These materials have less SRI value which stands for Solar Reflectance Index. The alternative to reduce the Heat Island effect is the use of green roofs having more SRI.

Green roofs, which feature vegetation planted on building rooftops, provide numerous environmental benefits, including improved stormwater management, reduced urban heat island effect, and enhanced thermal insulation. Cool roof systems, consisting of reflective materials that minimize solar heat gain, help reduce energy usage for cooling and mitigate heat island effects in urban areas.

Green roofs are a practical green building technology since they contribute to LEED points by improving stormwater management through the absorption of rainwater, thereby reducing runoff and mitigating flood risks. Also, green roofs enhance building insulation, leading to lower energy costs for heating and cooling, which supports energy efficiency criteria under LEED. Also, green roofs promote biodiversity by providing habitats for local flora and fauna and improving air quality. By integrating green roofs, LEED-certified projects can achieve higher sustainability standards, enhance their environmental performance, and contribute to urban ecosystems, making them a valuable technology in the pursuit of green building certification.

Not just for beautification, green roofs are functional tools in sustainability. They reduce heat absorption (thus lowering cooling costs), improve air quality, manage storm water, and even promote biodiversity. Depending on the design, a green roof can also be a space for urban agriculture or a recreational area.

Water-efficient fixtures, such as low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads, help conserve water and reduce overall water consumption in buildings. Additionally, technologies like rainwater harvesting systems, graywater recycling systems, and drip irrigation can further enhance water efficiency and support sustainable water management practices.

Water conservation is a crucial element in any green building. Low-flow fixtures (like toilets, faucets, and shower heads) are designed to limit water use, significantly reducing a building's overall water consumption. Some units also have features like dual-flush capability or sensor-based operation for even greater efficiency.

Energy use for lighting can be one of a building’s largest expenses. LED lighting, however, uses up to 75% less energy and lasts 25 times longer compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. This technology greatly reduces energy consumption while maintaining or improving lighting quality. Add to these technologies others like solar panels, energy-efficient HVAC systems, insulations, rainwater harvesting systems, and electric vehicle charging stations to enhance your building's LEED score and sustainability quotient. Remember, achieving a LEED-certification isn't about ticking checkboxes but creating a building that's genuinely sustainable – economically, environmentally, and socially.

El Pasaporte de Materiales y Materiales recuperados aprovechados son claves para implementar la Economía Circular en la Construcción y reducir su Huella de Carbono y dependencia de nuevos recursos

Incorporating recycled, renewable, and locally sourced materials in building construction reduces the environmental impact associated with resource extraction, manufacturing, and transportation. Examples include recycled steel, reclaimed wood, bamboo flooring, and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and finishes.

The first and foremost to consider is before jumping on technologies is to look into passive design approaches. Look at the window to wall ratios, building envelope, the building orientation and daylighting. Consider also vertical stacks for cooling. Look at the natural ventilation patterns. Green building technologies not only cost alot of money but also is a very niche market in facilities management.

While most people focus on the features within a building when it comes to green building; let’s not forget that regardless of how green a building is, if it is not being utilized…it is waste. (Think of the ghost of past Olympic infrastructures) Putting the right building at the right place and getting the right people into the space. I have seen in my neighborhood a multi billion “green”coworking laboratory space gone up and down within a span of 4 years because of the lack of use. It is now an office complex and a large parking lot. ( while no where the gold standard of green building… it is at least being used)

It is interesting to use these methods mentioned above and another called biomimetic, mirroring the new constructions in elements of nature, such as trees and my favorite, beehives.