Are Energy Use Intensity and LEED Certification Connected? : A Pilot Study of UW System Buildings

Abstract

Energy efficiency is a high priority for new construction projects on university campuses nationwide. The University of Wisconsin System is no exception due to Executive Order 145 that established energy efficiency goals for new buildings on UW campuses based on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system. The law requires buildings to be constructed to LEED silver standards, but does not require post-construction LEED performance certification. Post-construction LEED certification is thought to ensure that buildings perform at expected levels. In this study, energy use intensity data from a sub-sample of UW-System buildings were examined to see whether those buildings that did not undergo post-construction LEED certification performed as efficiently as those that were certified.