Is it too easy to be green? :a comparative analysis and critical assessment of green building rating systems

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Authors
Temple, Jaben
Advisor
Newton, Emily
Issue Date
2014-05
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.?)
Department
Honors College
Other Identifiers
Abstract

With a continued emphasis on designing for sustainability in architecture, it is important to see what role green rating systems are playing and what differences they are making. There are many options when it comes to choosing a green rating system for a particular project, and their metrics can vary greatly. Names such as LEED and BREEAM have a large global presence and a long standing relationship with green design. Others, like the Living Building Challenge, are pushing criteria to higher standards.

By examining popular green rating systems, one can get a better idea of their fundamentals -what concepts each system evaluates and emphasizes. Comparatively analyzing specific projects certified under these various rating systems then reveals how such systems manifest themselves in the built environment. Finally, crossreferencing this data with practicing academic and professional subjects' views helps to formulate a clearer image of what implications green rating systems are having today and what their continued role may be in the future of architectural design.