Washington, D.C., May 8, 2008 — The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has released a study of three green building rating systems (Green Globes, SBTool 07, and LEED NC 2.2) and assess their effectiveness in supporting the goals of the AIA sustainability position statement. In late 2007, the initial results were shared with the three groups whose systems were reviewed. After receiving feedback, the study was modified and further refined into the final report.

The purpose of this exercise is to offer analysis to both industry and the public as an opportunity to learn how three unique, creative and evolving green building rating systems resonate in various dimensions with the goals of the AIA position statement on sustainability and our goal to achieve carbon neutrality in buildings by 2030.

AIA position statement on green rating systems (PDF)

"This study is not a report card or ranking of the various standards," said AIA Executive Vice President/CEO Christine McEntee. "The intent is to offer design and construction professionals an in depth review of the three systems with particular emphasis on areas for improvement in relation to more rigorous energy conservations requirements."

Full report, "Quantifying Sustainability" (PDF)

"We reviewed these particular systems because they are the most broadly used in the U.S. market and they take a comprehensive approach to evaluating an entire building," added AIA President Marshall Purnell, FAIA. "With new sustainability continuing education requirements in 2009 for AIA membership the results of this study can help better inform our members and the profession on green rating systems as they relate to our carbon reduction goals."

Key findings

Green Building Initiative's Green Globes
The system offers a broad based evaluation of projects in both the design process and based on environmental criteria. When used to certify a project, more stringent and specific requirements in the areas of energy reduction and operational performance are needed, as these are the two areas that most influence carbon production.

U.S. Green Building Council's LEED NC 2.2 system
This is good example of a rating system which provides a measurement of environmental achievement. Continued developments in life cycle assessment, requirements for renewable energy or carbon reduction targets for certified projects will continue to make this system an effective resource for architects.

International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment's SBTool 07
SBTool 07 is a toolkit for designing a rating system. If used as a rating system providing certification, SBTool 07 would be stronger if there was an increase in the number of "required" items vs. those that are simply "encouraged" and required project documentation. Specific requirements in the areas of energy reduction and operational performance would supply any rating system approach that comes out of SBTool 07 with performance-based requirements necessary for reaching carbon reduction goals.

About the American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design.

Visit www.aia.org/walkthewalk.

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Contact: Scott Frank
202-626-7467
sfrank@aia.org

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