Report: Durability Analysis of Green Building Strategies

A new Insight Technical Report co-authored by Mate Orosz, LEED AP BD+C and Chris Pyke, Ph.D. explores the nexus between green building strategies and durability considerations. It provides a new systematic framework to evaluate elements of the LEED for New Construction (2009) Rating System, describes the expected service life of each credit, and assesses the durability-related risks to individual green building strategies.

Durability is seen as an essential strategy to reduce waste, ensure the efficient use of materials, and ultimately reduce environmental impacts. Yet, conversely, the durability of green building processes and technologies may be a source of concern or even dissatisfaction. Our research was to articulate a systematic framework to understand and evaluate connections between green building strategies and durability.

Results show that durability-related risks are found in many different interactions with widely varying consequences. Furthermore, the degree of durability varies significantly among credits as a function of typical implementation strategies. This means that green building practitioners are faced with opportunities and trade-offs that can increase or decrease potential durability. The challenge is to find the optimal trade-off that balances first costs, risks, and project goals.

Read the full report.