The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system for green buildings has come in for some criticism.

The rating system is globally recognised as being a good indicator for a building’s green credentials, yet an article published by worldpropertychannel.com has pointed out some flaws. It uses The Bank of American Tower in New York as an example.

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The tower was marketed as New York’s greenest building as was awarded LEED-platinum certification upon completion. Yet, statistics show that since opening it has become one of the biggest energy hoggers in the state. And actually uses more energy than 80 year old Empire State Building!?

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The article concludes that, whilst it is important to use sustainable construction methods, the amount of emissions created by daily activities in the building should also be considered.

Energy-guzzling trading floor not factored into LEED rating

In a commentary for commercialobserver.com, property journalist Al Barbarino agreed that LEED ratings don’t always show the whole picture.

“The problem at the heart of the LEED rating system, the most popular stamp of approval among green buildings, is that it certifies new buildings before they are occupied, basing ratings on computer models with emphasis on design rather than usage after the building is occupied.

“In the case of the Bank of America Tower, that means energy-guzzling trading floors are not factored into the rating.”

Author: Joe Elvin    Date Written: 09 August 2013