Guide to green building rating systems : understanding LEED, Green Globes, Energy Star, the National Green Building Standard, and more

The one-stop guide for choosing a green building rating system Today, sustainability is a growing concern for the architects, designers, builders, and owners of commercial and residential buildings. Meeting the requirements of a rating system provides a metric to evaluate and set priorities. But the variety and complexity of methods available to assess the eco-friendliness of a building can seem overwhelming. Guide to Green Building Rating Systems informs readers about the rating system selection process. Comparing essential issues such as cost, ease of use, and building performance, this book offers solid guidance that will help readers find the rating system that best fits their needs. This easy-to-follow reference includes: An overview of the major national rating systems, including LEED®, Green Globes®, the National Green Building Standard, and ENERGY STAR® An in-depth look at each rating system, including its evolution, objectives, point structure, levels of certification, benefits, and shortcomings How the ratings systems work for different types of buildings—commercial, multi-family residential, and single-family residential construction Illustrated case studies from different climate regions with project descriptions, cost data, and lessons learned by design teams, constructors, and owners An overview of local, regional, and international rating systems Guide to Green Building Rating Systems demystifies complex material, making this book an essential reference for building professionals engaged in, or wishing to pursue, sustainable building practices.Content: Chapter 1 Residential Rating Systems: A Comparison (pages 1–12): Chapter 2 Commercial Rating Systems: A Comparison (pages 13–25): Chapter 3 Energy Star for Residential Projects (pages 27–48): Chapter 4 Leed for Homes (pages 49–72): Chapter 5 Nahb Model Green Home Building Guidelines (pages 73–89): Chapter 6 National Green Building Standard (pages 91–110): Chapter 7 Local and Regional Residential Programs (pages 111–121): Chapter 8 Energy Star for Commercial Buildings (pages 123–142): Chapter 9 Green Globes (pages 143–161): Chapter 10 Leed for Commercial New Construction (pages 163–186): Chapter 11 Local and Regional Commercial Programs (pages 187–202): Chapter 12 International Rating Systems (pages 203–215): **The one-stop guide for choosing a green building rating system** Today, sustainability is a growing concern for the architects, designers, builders, and owners of commercial and residential buildings. Meeting the requirements of a rating system provides a metric to evaluate and set priorities. But the variety and complexity of methods available to assess the eco-friendliness of a building can seem overwhelming. __Guide to Green Building Rating Systems__ informs readers about the rating system selection process. Comparing essential issues such as cost, ease of use, and building performance, this book offers solid guidance that will help readers find the rating system that best fits their needs. This easy-to-follow reference includes: * An overview of the major national rating systems, including LEED®, Green Globes®, the National Green Building Standard, and ENERGY STAR® * An in-depth look at each rating system, including its evolution, objectives, point structure, levels of certification, benefits, and shortcomings * How the ratings systems work for different types of buildings—commercial, multi-family residential, and single-family residential construction * Illustrated case studies from different climate regions with project descriptions, cost data, and lessons learned by design teams, constructors, and owners * An overview of local, regional, and international rating systems __Guide to Green Building Rating Systems__ demystifies complex material, making this book an essential reference for building professionals engaged in, or wishing to pursue, sustainable building practices.Content: Chapter 1 Residential Rating Systems: A Comparison (pages 1–12): Chapter 2 Commercial Rating Systems: A Comparison (pages 13–25): Chapter 3 Energy Star for Residential Projects (pages 27–48): Chapter 4 Leed for Homes (pages 49–72): Chapter 5 Nahb Model Green Home Building Guidelines (pages 73–89): Chapter 6 National Green Building Standard (pages 91–110): Chapter 7 Local and Regional Residential Programs (pages 111–121): Chapter 8 Energy Star for Commercial Buildings (pages 123–142): Chapter 9 Green Globes (pages 143–161): Chapter 10 Leed for Commercial New Construction (pages 163–186): Chapter 11 Local and Regional Commercial Programs (pages 187–202): Chapter 12 International Rating Systems (pages 203–215): Guide To Green Building Rating Systems Informs Readers About The Rating System Selection Process. Comparing Essential Issues Such As Cost, Ease Of Use, And Building Performance, This Book Offers Solid Guidance That Will Help Readers Find The Rating System That Best Fits Their Needs. The Book Demystifies Complex Material, Making This Book An Essential Reference For Building Professionals Engaged In, Or Wishing To Pursue, Sustainable Building Practices.--jacket. Residential Rating Systems : A Comparison -- Commercial Rating Systems : A Comparison -- Energy Star For Residential Projects -- Leed For Homes -- Nahb Model Green Home Building Guidelines -- National Green Building Standard -- Local And Regional Residential Programs -- Energy Star For Commercial Buildings -- Green Globes -- Leed For Commercial New Construction -- Local And Regional Commercial Programs -- International Rating Systems. Linda Reeder. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. * A vital guide which compares and contrasts the complex rating systems for green buildings. * Compares the complex similarities and differences in the green building rating systems, primarily LEED, Green Globes, ENERGY STAR, and the National Green Building Standard, for new construction of most buildings, including homes.