Selected resources for research on green building attributes and issues.
Featured
2011, BNIM
This BNIM study is an award winning effort to develop and improve best management practices (BMPs) for on-site stormwater management. The study is an outcome from USGBC's Green Building Research Fund.
June 2010, U.S. Green Building Council
This USGBC Research Program white paper attempts to develop a framework for the sustained collection of data on actual human experience within the built environment by exploring the intersection between three important concepts: human experience, Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) and Green Building. Included is a discussion of potential opportunities to use practice-based experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of green building strategies in improving the health, safety, and well-being of occupants.
June 2010, C.Pyke and A. Guma
Geospatial technologies are emerging as important new tools to inform and advance green building practice. This paper explores opportunities to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in a number of promising new application areas, including: Advanced, “place-based” rating systems, Building performance monitoring, and Market patterns and trends dynamics.
2010, Public Architecture
The Design for Reuse Primer is a free electronic publication developed by Public Architecture that showcases how material reuse can be integral to a sustainable vision of how to tread lightly on the earth, be economically pragmatic, and nurture a community. Incorporating the perspectives of the architects, contractors, and clients, the publication features process-based case studies of 15 projects from across the United States and Canada. Listen to a USGBC Podcast discussing the Design for Reuse Primer research project.
2009, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
A comprehensive collection of links to EPA's Green Building related publications. Topics include: Energy Efficiency, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Smart Growth.
USGBC Publications
June 2010, USGBC
For local governments working on a climate action plan, revising a green building ordinance, looking to incentivize transit-oriented development or tackle other similar problems this paper explores pursuing the LEED for Neighborhood Development certification as a catalyst for doing so. It reviews the basics of the LEED ND certification, the constraints facing municipalities with regard to LEED ND, and four approaches used in successful communities.
June 2010, U.S. Green Building Council
This USGBC Research Program white paper attempts to develop a framework for the sustained collection of data on actual human experience within the built environment by exploring the intersection between three important concepts: human experience, Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) and Green Building. Included is a discussion of potential opportunities to use practice-based experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of green building strategies in improving the health, safety, and well-being of occupants.
June 2010, C.Pyke and A. Guma
Geospatial technologies are emerging as important new tools to inform and advance green building practice. This paper explores opportunities to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in a number of promising new application areas, including: Advanced, “place-based” rating systems, Building performance monitoring, and Market patterns and trends dynamics.
June 2010, USGBC
On the road to sustainability, and to restorative and regenerative communities, it’s not a choice between green building codes or green building rating systems. Instead, it’s both these codes and rating systems working together, learning from one another, and continuously improving content, implementation and results.
September 2008, Robin Ried on behalf of USGBC
This document intends to provide universities and colleges with an understanding of how USGBC and LEED can apply to the process of designing a sustainability initiative to ensure maximum social, environmental, institutional and economic benefit. By providing such information, it assists institutions in determining the most appropriate LEED program for each campus.
March 2008, New Buildings Institute
This study found that on average, LEED-NC buildings are delivering anticipated savings. LEED energy use is similar to predictions--25-30% better than the national average. Average savings increase for the higher LEED levels, with Gold/Platinum buildings approaching the interim goal of Architecture 2030.Results for individual buildings, span a wide range, which calls for further research and areas of improvement for LEED.
November 2007, USGBC Research Committee
This national research agenda is intended to identify and catalyze funding, research, development, and deployment activities that are necessary for achieving a transformative leap in building performance and sustainability. A key function of this agenda is as a basis of discussion for multiple disciplines and funding sources, providing direction and context within a cohesive mission.
2007, Mara Baum, USGBC Mark Ginsberg Sustainability Fellow
This report tracks recent federal, state, and trade association contributions to green building research funding.
March 2007, USGBC Research Committee
This position statement is a response by the USGBC Research Committee to the findings of "Green Building Research Funding: An Assessment of Current Activity in the United States."
May 2006, Ewing, R. & Kreutzer, R.
This report summarizes the relationship between how our communities are built and a series of public health outcomes such as physical activity, traffic accidents, respiratory health and mental health.
2005, USGBC
Ten principles for addressing sustainability in the post-Katrina reconstruction of New Orleans.
February 2003, ICF Consulting
This report, based on an April 2002 roundtable convened by the U.S. Senate Public Works and Environment Committee, highlights the components of green building and outlines recommendations for expanding the movement. The report is also available in hardcopy for a nominal fee. Buy Now
1996, Public Technologies Inc., USGBC, U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The SBTM is a valuable resource for designers, builders, owners, and operators who want to implement green strategies in their facilities. Available free to USGBC members.
Peer-Reviewed Articles
1976-present, Elsevier
Original papers and review articles on research, technology, and tool development related to building science and human interaction with the built environment
A free resource from the University of Minnesota that translates current research into an easy-to-read, easy-to-use format for design professionals.
2006-present, College Publishing
A research journal, focused on green building, in which half of the articles are peer-reviewed.
This independent journal, the first of its kind in the United States, intends to foster truth surrounding the myriad questions of how to become more efficient, healthier, and more productive while recognizing that economics and regulation will drive the sustainable real estate market.
Broad Scope
June 10, 2011, Environmental Design Library, UC Berkeley
A brief guide to finding information on green building materials and codes from the Head of the Environmental Design Library at UC Berkeley. Some resources are limited access.
2010, U.S. EPA
This toolkit provides an assessment tool, resource guide and action plan for communities that wish to save resources by promoting sustainable building practices.
2009, U.S. General Services Administration
Tools, resources, and strategies to “operationalize” sustainability practices within U.S. Government operations.
October 2008, U.S. National Science and Technology Council
In this agenda, the federal government outlines a comprehensive Research & Development plan for improving the energy performance of buildings. The goals of this report include developing technologies, tools and practices that could significantly reduce the use of energy, water and other natural resources, promoting environmentally friendly products and practices, and reducing building material waste while meeting building performance design standards.
2008, Commission for Environmental Cooperation
In this report, the Secretariat of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) recommends that North American leaders make green building a foundational driver for environmental, social, and economic improvement in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
1999, Hawken, P., Lovins, A. and Lovins, L.H.
This publication explores a future in which business and environmental interests increasingly overlap and in which industries like the building sector can better satisfy their customers' needs, increase profits, and help solve environmental problems all at the same time.
March 1995, Worldwatch Institute
This groundbreaking report found that 40% of the world's materials are used by buildings and highlights the financial advantages of ecological design. The report is available for purchase at the Worldwatch Institute website.
Building Performance Assessment
2009, U.S. Green Building Council – Chicago Chapter
In collaboration with the Center for Neighborhood Technology, this report evaluates the post-occupancy performance and costs & benefits of 25 LEED certified building in Illinois. Evaluated performance metrics include: energy, water use, greenhouse gas emissions, construction costs, transportation, and occupant health and comfort.
March 2009, U.S. General Services Administration
In order to assess federal workstation performance, this study measured environmental conditions in 22 federal buildings and surveyed over 6,000 federal workers. Based on the results, the GSA Workplace Performance Study team recommends seven cost-effective strategies, applicable to every existing federal facility and workplace, that can save energy and increase end user satisfaction.
June 2008 (Revised Sept. '08), U.S. General Services Administration
A post-occupancy evaluation of 12 GSA buildings, seven of which are LEED certified, found that sustainable design delivers. The evaluation of these buildings was comprehensive, measuring environmental performance, financial metrics, and occupant satisfaction. The white paper provides an executive summary of the findings.
March 2008, New Buildings Institute
This study found that on average, LEED-NC buildings are delivering anticipated savings. LEED energy use is similar to predictions--25-30% better than the national average. Average savings increase for the higher LEED levels, with Gold/Platinum buildings approaching the interim goal of Architecture 2030. Results for individual buildings, span a wide range, which calls for further research and areas of improvement for LEED.
2006, Turner, C.
A study of 11 buildings, addressing energy use, water use, and occupant satisfaction.
June 2006, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
The U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program has established a goal to create the technology and knowedgebase for marketable zero-energy commercial buildings by 2025. This paper outlines best practices for high-performance buildings.
Climate Change
2011, Raven, J.
This paper discusses the need for planning and design practitioners to expand their scope to implement desired ecological outcomes across spatial scales that comprise urban systems and physical networks. The paper helps build the case for integrating climate science, natural systems and resilient urban design to bring about desirable micro-climates within compact, pedestrian-friendly built environments. In doing so, urbanists can shape systems to shrink our ecological footprint, configure resilient urban form and adapt our cities to climate change. The original publication of this author’s version is in Resilient Cities (2011) and available at www.springerlink.com
2011, Institute of Medicine of the National Academies
This report summarizes the scientific knowledge regarding the impacts of climate change on indoor air and public health.
2010, The White House Council on Environmental Quality
This report presents the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force's initial findings and recommendations for how the Federal Government can support a national adaptation strategy.
2009, Center for Clean Air Policy
This document highlights the Urban Leaders Adaptation Initiative and discusses the approach each partner county or city has taken to advance their local climate adaptation efforts and establish best practices in urban adaptation strategies.
July 2009, Laitner, J.
In this report the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) shows that most economic projections underestimate the potential benefits of increased investment in energy-efficient technologies. The report examines existing economic and historical data, and concludes that shifting investment towards energy-efficiency and innovation could achieve considerable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, while also having a net positive impact on the U.S. economy.
2009, Institute for Business & Home Safety
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, IBHS sent a research team to the Bolivar Peninsula to survey the performance of traditionally built and fortified homes. This report discusses results from that survey and provides a practical guide to strengthening homes and reducing property damage in hurricane-exposed areas.
2009, PEW Center on Global Climate Change
This series of reports presents an introduction to climate change from a variety of perspectives, including: climate science and impacts, adaptation, technical solutions, and business solutions.
2007, Pyke, C., Johnson, T., et al.
This study considers the potential for adapting to climate change through the use of sustainable neighborhood design.
2007, Michael, S. & Huang, J.
This chapter of a larger report by the U.S. Climate Change Science Program and the subcommittee on Global change Research summarizes the potential effects of climate change on energy consumption in buildings.
2007, United Nations Environment Programme
This report, from the Sustainable Buildings and Construction Initiative of UNEP, finds that significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions can be made using existing technologies and building materials.
2005, Hacker, JN, Belcher, SE & Connell, RK
This UKCIP Briefing Report includes key findings from Climate change and the indoor environment: impacts and adaptation [referenced below]. Six case studies are included which detail the potential impact of climate change on indoor thermal comfort and greenhouse gas emissions in the United Kingdom.
2005, CIBSE
Through the use of dynamic thermal modeling, this technical report details how a variety of building types react to changing climatic conditions. A discussion of adaptive strategies to limit negative impacts is included.
Cost Analysis of Whole Buildings
2009, Kats, G.
Reports the results of a large-scale study based on extensive financial and technical analyses of more than 150 green buildings in the U.S. and ten other countries. Provides detailed findings on the costs and financial benefits of building green. Evaluates the cost effectiveness of green community development and presents the results of the first-ever survey of green buildings constructed by faith-based organizations.
Fall 2009, Urban Green Council
This report looks at recent construction projects in NYC, and examines whether or not incorporating green building strategies had an impact on overall project costs.
July 2007, Davis Langdon
The Cost of Green Revisited, an extension of the 2004 Costing Green report, shows that many projects are achieving LEED certification within their budgets and in the same cost range as non-LEED projects.
2007, Davis Langdon
This publication discusses Green Building Council Australia's Green Star Rating System, the rising market demand for high performance buildings, and the environmental and economic benefits of green building.
2007, Davis Langdon
This article summarizes the latest research on green building cost-benefit analysis.
October 2006, Capital E
This report compares the financial costs and benefits of green schools and conventional schools.
2006, Earth Day Network
An ongoing "Lessons Learned" series that contains chapters on economics, strategies and market applications.
2006, Green Building Council Australia
This report discusses findings that green building can reduce annual operating costs and increase ROI, asset market value, rents, and occupant productivity.
March 2005, Lucuik, M., Trusty, W., Larsson, N. & Charette, R.
This compilation of North American building studies, presented to Industry Canada, demonstrates that the greener the building, the higher the net present value.
October 2004, Steven Winter Associates, Inc.
The U.S. General Services Administration commissioned this report to estimate soft and hard costs for developing green federal facilities.
July 2004, Davis Langdon
Based on an in-depth study of the cost of sustainable buildings, this report concludes that there is no significant difference in the construction costs for LEED versus non-LEED buildings.
2004, New Buildings Institute, Inc.
This guide helps architects, designers, real estate developers and building owners to educate clients on the business benefits of high performance commercial design.
October 2003, KEMA
Based on research conducted by Alameda County Waste Management Authority and the State of California, this paper describes how to manage the costs of green building projects.
October 2003, Kats, G.
This report to California's Sustainable Building Task Force includes LEED building analysis.
June 2000, XENERGY Inc. & SERA Architects
A cost/benefit analysis of applying LEED design criteria to city buildings, prepared for the Portland Energy Office.
Green Economy
More Green Jobs and Green Economy resources
2011, Porter, D.
This book presents examples from around the country of existing financial incentives for green development.
July 2009, White House Council of Economic Advisers
This report projects that green jobs will continue to grow faster than those within the U.S. economy as a whole in the coming years. The report examines environment-related jobs growth among engineers, technicians and scientists and finds that such jobs grew faster than other occupations between 2000 and 2006 and projected fast relative growth through 2016.
November 2009, USGBC/Booz Allen Hamilton
This study predicts green building will support or create 7.9 million jobs between 2009-2013 and will contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product.
July 2009, McKinsey & Company
Co-sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council this report examines the potential within the United States economy to increase energy-efficiency in non-transportation related sectors, including residential and commercial buildings. The report contains a systematic analysis of existing barriers, and provides a framework of solutions to achieve maximum potential gains.
June 2009, Pollin, R., Heintz, J. & Garrett-Peltier, H.
This analysis expects the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the proposed American Clean Energy and Security Act to generate $150 billion annually in clean energy investments and 1.7 million new jobs.
October 2008, U.S. Conference of Mayors & Mayors Climate Protection Center
This study measures how many direct and indirect jobs are in the emerging U.S. green economy. Currently, the economy generates more than 750,000 green jobs and is projected to create 4.2 million green jobs over the next 30 years. Economic opportunities for the green building sector are also outlined in this report.
September 2008, Pollin, R. et. al for Center of American Progress
This report describes a green economic recovery program that would create 2 million jobs over the next two years. Of the six key infrastructure investment strategies outlined, retrofitting buildings is considered the “most obvious” option for green investment.
September 2008, Worldwatch Institute for United Nations Environment Programme
This comprehensive report presents quantifications, estimates, and projections for green jobs around the world. Energy-efficiency measures in the building sector, notably green building and retrofitting, are highlighted as primary drivers in the growing green economy.
2007, Bezdek, R. for the American Solar Energy Society
A study on the current and future state of the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries in the United States. The report found that 40 million Americans could be employed in these industries by 2030, generating $4.53 trillion in annual revenue.
Interactive Maps
District of Columbia
This map highlights environmental points of interest throughout the nation’s capital
City of Boston
The Solar Boston map allows you to see active renewable energy installations within the City, and to calculate the solar potential of building rooftops in Boston. More information about the project can be found on the Official Solar Boston Website.
City of Boston
A map showing the sustainability initiatives and green buildings taking place on Emory University's campus.
Green Health & Physical Activity
2009, Nicoll, G. & Zimring, C.
This study explores the impact of innovative design features such as ‘skip-stop’ elevators on the use of stairs in office buildings.
2009, Sallis, JF., Glanz, K.
This article synthesizes research on physical activity and food environments, and offers guidance for increasing physical activity and improving human health outcomes.
2009, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
A fact sheet outlining the public health efforts of the LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System.
2008, Bell, J.F. et. al
This study found that children and youth living in neighborhoods with green space (yards, parks, vacant lots, etc.) had lower body mass index (BMI) scores than their counterparts in less-green neighborhoods. Residential density had no effect on BMI scores, presumably because children and youth are less likely to constrain physical activity to sidewalks and streets.
2008, World Health Organization / World Economic Forum
This report discusses the importance of workplace health promotion (WHP) programs in improving occupant health outcomes, and employee productivity.
2007, Nicoll, G.
This study looks at the relationship between building design and stair use, and provides recommended design strategies and interventions for promoting stair use in buildings.
2006, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / WELCOA
A review of the low-cost interventions used by the CDC’s Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity to increase stairwell use among building occupants.
2006, Heath, G., et al.
This report examines the utility of community and street-scale urban design interventions in promoting physical activity.
May 2006, Ewing, R. & Kreutzer, R.
This report summarizes the relationship between how our communities are built and a series of public health outcomes such as physical activity, traffic accidents, respiratory health and mental health.
2005, Burton, W., McCalister, K., Chen, C., & Edington, D.
The association between worksite fitness center use and employee productivity is examined (login required).
2005, Malizia, E.
This article outlines the fundamentals of urban planning that are essential for public health officials must understand so as to more effectively integrate public health concerns into regional and city planning processes.
September 2003, Smart Growth America
This study found that people who live in counties marked by sprawl-style development tend to weigh more, are more likely to be obese and are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC’s Healthy Places program focuses on aspects of the environment that can lead to healthier communities and healthier people. This web page lists the program's most significant research projects.
Land Use & Transportation
2010, Calthorpe Associates
Vision California is an effort to explore the role of land use and transportation investments in meeting the environmental, fiscal, and public health challenges facing California over the coming decades. The Statewide Scenarios Report details two new modeling tools which compare scenarios for how California can accommodate expected growth.
September 2009, U.S. EPA
This report conducted by the U.S. EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) explores the connection between climate change, and materials and land management practices in the United States.
July 2009, Cambridge Systematics, Inc.
This report, published by the Urban Land Institute, evaluates multiple transportation efficiency strategies for their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study finds that ‘bundles’ of complimentary strategies can achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, fuel consumption, and consumer transportation costs.
April 2009, Jacob, J. & Lopez, R.
This journal article examines the impact of high density urban development on stormwater quality for a given population area.
2008, Bell, J.F. et. al
This study found that children and youth living in neighborhoods with green space (yards, parks, vacant lots, etc.) had lower body mass index (BMI) scores than their counterparts in less-green neighborhoods. Residential density had no effect on BMI scores, presumably because children and youth are less likely to constrain physical activity to sidewalks and streets.
November 2008, Center for Transit-Oriented Development
Prepared for the U.S. Department of Transportation, this report focuses specifically on the potential to capture increased property values for the purpose of funding transit. Although the amount of property value created in any particular location is influenced by a host of factors, the overall value premium for properties near transit appears to be increasing over time. This research suggests several key findings that will be useful when devising a value capture strategy that benefits both the public and the private sector.
November 2007, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This study illustrates how regions can calculate the benefits of communities that balance transportation needs with community revitalization and environmental protection.
Market Analysis & Surveys
2010, Boise State University Office of Sustainability and the Public Policy Center
This report provides results from conversations, focus groups, and surveys of local government and construction industry members about their perspectives on the barriers and incentives for green building in their communities, primarily in the Pacific Northwest. It also summarizes other research on the costs and benefits of green building
January 2009, RREEF Research
This report examines the status of green building with respect to the current economic downturn and dropping energy prices. The findings show that even under these conditions, the case for green real estate remains strong and opportunities for cash-rich investors to add green buildings their portfolios may emerge.
November 2008, Turner Construction Company
This survey found that commercial real estate executives viewed green buildings as having lower energy, operating and lifecycle costs, higher building values, asking rents and occupancy rates. Moreover, 75% said that market conditions will not discourage them from building green.
September 2008, RREEF Research
This report examines the forces affecting property sustainability in major regions around the globe. The study found that major corporate tenants are pursuing greener facilities worldwide. However, a gap exists between available green building space and tenant demand, creating green building investment, particularly in the United States.
2008, IBT Enterprises
The results of this survey found that three-quarters of financial institution executives who are planning new building projects or renovations say green building materials and practices, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality are important to their financial institutions.
November 2007, RREEF Research
This paper explores why the U.S. institutional investment real estate sector is likely to embrace sustainable building principles. The paper also documents trends in green building and focuses on the key drivers for green building investment – as well as the barriers that have limited this investment up to now.
McGraw-Hill Construction's SmartMarket Reports cover market trends and opportunities for the green building industry. Reports on corporate America, health care, education, residential construction and other topics are currently available for purchase directly from McGraw-Hill Construction.
Turner Construction's surveys of executives and builders have found that the benefits of green building far outweigh the costs.
October 2003- present, Building Design + Construction
Annual white papers on the green building industry.
2007, World Business Council on Sustainable Development
This report combines the findings from existing research and stakeholder dialogues during hearings, workshops, and forums with a breakthrough market research study that measures the stakeholder perceptions of sustainable buildings around the world.
2006, Earth Day Network
An ongoing "Lessons Learned" series that contains chapters on economics, strategies and market applications.
Occupant Satisfaction, Health & Productivity
2010, Figueiro MG, Rea MS
This study investigates the impact of light on teenagers’ sleeping habits and finds that reduced exposure to morning light can decrease the duration of sleep in teens. This study was sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Green Building Research Fund.
2010, Singh, A., Syal, M., Grady, S., and Korkmaz, S.
Researchers for this study followed employees who moved from a conventional office building to a LEED certified office building, and examined related impacts on perceived occupant health and productivity.
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab compiles research reports and summarizes the state of scientific knowledge about the relationships between a building’s IAQ characteristics and occupant health and well being.
March 2009, U.S. General Services Administration
In order to assess federal workstation performance, this study measured environmental conditions in 22 federal buildings and surveyed over 6,000 federal workers. Based on the results, the GSA Workplace Performance Study team recommends seven cost-effective strategies, applicable to every existing federal facility and workplace, that can save energy and increase end user satisfaction.
2007, Mudarri, D. & Fisk, W.
This study found that exposure to dampness and mold in buildings poses significant public health and economic risks. 21% of asthma cases in the U.S. are attributable to dampness and mold exposure in the home, resulting in an economic impact of $3.5 billion each year.
January 2007, Joseph, A. & Ulrich, R.
This paper examines how different aspects of sound impact patient and staff outcomes in healthcare settings and the specific environmental design strategies that can be used to improve the acoustical environment of healthcare settings.
May 2006, Ewing, R. & Kreutzer, R.
This report summarizes the relationship between how our communities are built and a series of public health outcomes such as physical activity, traffic accidents, respiratory health and mental health.
2006, Center for the Built Environment, University of California Berkeley
The results of this indoor environmental quality survey found that on average, occupants in green office buildings were more satisfied with thermal comfort and air quality in their workspace than their non-green counterparts.
2006, National Research Council
This report reviews and analyzes the results of studies on green schools and discusses the effects of green schools on student learning and teacher productivity. This report is available for purchase through the National Academies Press website.
2005, Heerwagen, J. & Zagreus, L.
This study evaluated occupant satisfaction in the first LEED Platinum building in the United States. Building occupants demonstrate 90% satisfaction with daylighting and 80% experience high levels of workplace morale. Moreover, the building achieved the highest level of air quality satisfaction in the entire Center for the Built Environment survey database.
2005, Leaman, L
Based upon building occupant surveys, this report describes basic occupant needs and lays out a series of best practices for meeting these needs through building design and management.
2005, Mendell, M.J. et. al
This study of 100 representative office buildings found that higher ventilation rates result in fewer reported Sick Building Syndrome symptoms.
2005, Seppänen, O. et. al
A formal statistical analysis of office, laboratory and classroom studies found that as indoor air temperature rises or falls below 71° F, work performance decreases.
2003, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative - Green Schools Initiative
This report summarizes studies that address student health and productivity, as they relate to daylighting and indoor air quality.
2003, Nelson, P., Sigfrid, S. & Seltz, A.
This publication provides a comprehensive review of studies that examine the effects of classroom noise on academic performance.
2000, Heerwagen, J.
This paper links building design, organizational performance, and human factors research, suggesting that green buildings provide economic and organizational benefits for business.
2000, Fisk, W.
This paper examines the financial gains from better indoor environments, such as reduced allergies and asthma, reduced sick building syndrome symptoms and direct improvements in worker performance.
1999, Heschong Mahone Group, Inc.
This study found compelling links between daylighting in schools and student performance.
1999, Heschong Mahone Group
This study of the effect of daylighting on retail sales found that chain stores would benefit from 40% higher sales with the addition of skylights.
1996, Innovative Design
This study on student performance found that students in full-spectrum light not only were healthier, but they also had more positive moods.
1992, Hathaway, W.E. et. al
This report explores the effects of various lighting systems on elementary school student health and academic performance. Students exposed to ultraviolet light exhibited better health and classroom performance than students who under high pressure sodium vapor lighting.
Processes for Design, Delivery & Operations
2008, Building Commissioning Association
The BCA Board of Directors created this comprehensive document detailing the industry’s best practices in commissioning existing buildings.
2005, Building Commissioning Association
A Building Commissioning Association white paper detailing the fundamentals of building commissioning.
2004, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
This analysis of published and unpublished data from building commissioning projects undertaken across the United States over the past two decades found commissioning to be one of the most cost-effective means of improving energy efficiency in commercial buildings.
PECI, for Oregon Office of Energy
A building commissioning toolkit which aims to ensure that high performance buildings operate at optimal productivity. This resource outlines the commissioning process, costs, benefits and case studies of successful projects.
1996, Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Department of Research and Development
This experimental project run by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) showed that an integrated design approach results in 40-50% energy savings for retrofit projects and 55–65% energy reduction for new construction sites.
Real Estate Management & Value
2011, Eicholtz, P., Kok, N., and Quigley, J.
This paper examines the economic significance of trends in green building upon the private market for commercial office space.
2010, Wiley, J., Benefield, J., and Johnson, K.
This paper considers the relationship between energy-efficient design and the leasing/sales markets for commercial real estate. The evidence indicates that “green” buildings achieve superior rents and sustain significantly higher occupancy. The improved performance in the rental market is reflected in a significant premium for the selling price of Energy Star-labeled and LEED-certified properties.
2010, Cortright, J.
This report explores the connection between home values and walkability, as measured by “Walk Score,” and finds that in 13 of 15 major markets higher levels of walkability is directly linked to higher home values.
2010, Muldavin, S.
Published by the Green Building Finance Consortium, this book is dedicated to enabling private investors to integrate the value of sustainable property investment into their decision-making, while providing those seeking capital an insider's view on how investors value property and make investment decisions. Full PDF version available online.
2009, Dermisi, S.
This study examines the effect of LEED certification on Assessed and Market Values, while controlling for a property’s characteristics and location.
January 2009, Eichholtz, P., Kok, N., & Quigley, J.
This study provides evidence that rents for green offices are about two percent higher than rents for comparable buildings located nearby. Moreover, effective rents or rents adjusted for the occupancy levels in office buildings are about six percent higher in green buildings than in comparable office buildings nearby.
July 2008, Miller, N., Spivey, J. & Florance, A.
This study concludes that LEED certified and Energy Star rated buildings command higher rental rates and sales prices, and achieve higher occupancy rates. Moreover, the analysis estimates that sales price per square foot was approximately 10% higher for LEED certified buildings and approximately 6% higher for Energy Star rated.
July 2007, Walraven, B., USAA Real Estate Company
This testimony before a Hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives is about the commitment made by the real estate sector in the U.S. to reduce energy consumption. Ms. Walraven's testimony includes estimates of the financial benefits from low- and no-cost energy efficiency retrofits.
April 2007, Rocky Mountain Institute & CoreNet Global
This report describes and recommends energy efficiency action plans that will result in very large energy and cost savings for corporate real estate and service providers.
2007, Prudential Real Estate Investors
This report discusses how tenant demand, decreasing costs associated with building green and risk management are influencing the extent to which real estate investors and developers are building green.
February 1999, Chao, M., Parker, G., Mahone, D. & Kammerud, R.
This paper offers guidance to appraisers and other real estate stakeholders on enhanced methods for energy reporting.
Social Equity
January 2009, Hammer, J.
The “triple bottom line” is a view of sustainability that includes economic, environmental and social factors. Through review of existing frameworks and conversations with community leaders, this briefing paper provides the groundwork for defining and measuring the social bottom line.
Please note that the USGBC may not be held liable for the contents of non-USGBC research and publications nor the omission of documents.