Greenbuild 2020 | Reflections from LEED AP, Martin Nunnally

The Bar is Rising for Improved Energy Standards Improved building envelopes are more important than ever and this year’s Greenbuild placed a greater emphasis on net-zero construction. Five to ten years ago net-zero was possible but rarely achieved. With advances in technology (solar array efficiency, battery storage, improved HVAC systems, efficient lighting, etc.) net-zero is more attainable than before and more important than ever for combating climate change. To stay ahead of the curve, net zero construction strategies should at least be a consideration for new projects. Improvements to local building and energy codes is a trend in major cities in the US with continued momentum in improved building standards expected throughout the country. Related to this trend, major cities, such as Boston, New York City, and Washington D.C., are looking to track baseline building and high-efficiency building performance metrics.

COVID as a Catalyst for Green Building and Indoor Air Quality

• Installation of high-efficiency HVAC Systems for energy efficiency and indoor air quality was a repeat topic. There are real benefits to indoor air quality with better HVAC systems combined with tight building envelops that is getting more attention.
• Indoor air quality is of greater concern for many property owners and occupants. Architects and engineers are starting to place more emphasis on this in the design process.
• Also related to indoor air quality, the overall importance of residential and commercial building comfort is growing. As residential occupants continue to work from home the relevance of a comfortable space should increase. As far as commercial offices, there have already been studies highlighting the positive impact of comfortable spaces with superior air quality on productivity. The importance of IAQ to tenants and their employees should increase as workplaces transition to a "new normal."

Other Rating Systems

• As expected, the advancement of LEED was a primary focus of this year’s Greenbuild but other up and coming rating systems were a topic of discussion, including the WELL Building Standard. The WELL Building Standard is rating system for buildings, interior spaces and communities seeking to implement features that support health and wellness. In the COVID era, the awareness of WELL as a rating system could be on the rise.
• Passive House, a well-established high-energy efficiency building standard, was mentioned in passing by several of the presenters. Adoption of this standard is expected to continue to rise in conjunction with LEED.
  
  

Financing

• Financing strategies will be critical for the implementation of high-efficiency innovations in sustainable building construction. Several speakers mentioned the importance of alternative financing methods such as PACE, tax credits, bond financing, and more to assist in the construction financing of high-efficiency buildings.

Conclusion

As a virtual conference, this year’s Greenbuild was like none other in the past. However, the enthusiasm for excellence in the built environment and the educational merits of the conference was apparent. Undoubtedly, the green building industry, from technologies to project design and implementation, is accelerating at the very moment in which it can help both the environment and our economic recovery.