2008 Woodie Awards
Video related to this article is available below.Issue date: 4/8/08 Section: News
Green needed to go green
LEED certification costs up to $100,000 per building; price not a problem for Penn
Daniel Zinshteyn
Drexel hasn't decided yet whether it will seek LEED certification for a number of its sustainable campus-expansion projects.
While the benefits of LEED-certified buildings, such as energy and cost efficiency, are obvious, some have questioned the need for a certification system that merely recognizes projects for their sustainable design. But Penn officials still say LEED is worthwhile.
"It's the difference between taking a class pass/fail or for a grade," said Daniel Garofalo, Penn's senior facilities planner and the Delaware Valley Green Building Council chairman. "You learn more when you strive for an A."
Hollenberg said many institutions submit to LEED because it is the standard third-party reviewer for sustainable design.
"In the end, it is just a plaque on the wall, but you can't lead if you're not a part of a group," he said.
There are few alternatives for those who wish to avoid the costs of LEED.
The Green Building Initiative launched the Green Globes environmental assessment in 2004 as an alternative to LEED. This assessment is generally regarded to be more lenient than LEED in verifying the figures behind the building's construction, and thus the cost of certification is much lower.
While the benefits of LEED-certified buildings, such as energy and cost efficiency, are obvious, some have questioned the need for a certification system that merely recognizes projects for their sustainable design. But Penn officials still say LEED is worthwhile.
"It's the difference between taking a class pass/fail or for a grade," said Daniel Garofalo, Penn's senior facilities planner and the Delaware Valley Green Building Council chairman. "You learn more when you strive for an A."
Hollenberg said many institutions submit to LEED because it is the standard third-party reviewer for sustainable design.
"In the end, it is just a plaque on the wall, but you can't lead if you're not a part of a group," he said.
There are few alternatives for those who wish to avoid the costs of LEED.
The Green Building Initiative launched the Green Globes environmental assessment in 2004 as an alternative to LEED. This assessment is generally regarded to be more lenient than LEED in verifying the figures behind the building's construction, and thus the cost of certification is much lower.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Jim Campbell
posted 4/08/08 @ 9:11 AM EST
Now, if Penn would just support a greener South Street Bridge, I think more of us would be happy. Developing green buildings is very important, however, university policies and initiatives also need to extend into the areas of transportation planning as well. (Continued…)
Mr. Green
posted 4/08/08 @ 9:56 AM EST
I think this is great. The absolute best thing you can do for the environment is to pay someone to say you are doing great things for the environment. (Continued…)
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