Source: canadianarchitect.com
The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has released a new digital case study library showcasing examples of cutting-edge sustainable buildings.
Each case study demonstrates enhanced performance in relation to health benefits or net zero operational carbon achievements. According to the WorldGBC, the studies are verified by established certification schemes, rating tools or other third-party verification.
“As a global network committed to achieving a sustainable built environment, I’m delighted to launch our new case study library. It showcases the most cutting-edge examples of sustainable building worldwide as verified by our local Green Building Councils. Buildings are a vital part of the solution to the climate crisis as they are the fastest, most viable and cost-effective means to achieve emissions reductions,” said Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council.
WorldGBC states that buildings and construction together account for 36 per cent of global final energy use and 39 per cent of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions when upstream power generation is included.
Additionally, people spend 90 per cent of their time in buildings, and there is a consistent association between unhealthy indoor environments and negative human health impacts.
The organization launched the case study library in recognition of growing market demand to highlight the ‘best in class’ buildings that excel in key areas of sustainability, and the role of certification schemes to provide third party assurance of performance.
Submissions are reviewed against qualification criteria to ensure that each project featured in the library represents sustainability in the built environment, as a net zero carbon building or across different areas of health and wellbeing.
Net zero carbon case studies are existing buildings or spaces that have achieved high levels of energy efficiency and either generate or procure sufficient renewable energy to meet the building’s demand over 12 consecutive months.
Healthy case studies are existing buildings or spaces that can demonstrate they excel in the provision of features that enhance human health, as verified and certified using rating schemes demonstrating outstanding achievement of health elements of a holistic green building certification scheme, or achieve specific health-based certification, or demonstrate equivalent levels of performance using verified data.
The library also features industry “game changer” projects that have achieved the criteria for both healthy and net zero performance criteria, and information from the case studies about their specific features. CBRE’s Vancouver office is included on the map for achieving Gold certification under the WELL building standard and for its multiple features that promote a healthy work environment.
By keeping track of these projects, WorldGBC will be able to share insights about global trends in providing solutions to reducing the environmental impact of buildings, to help inform policymakers, designers, and developers about the feasibility, best practices, while promoting advanced sustainable building performance.
WorldGBC will be accepting submissions for the case study library on a rolling basis. Applications for case studies can be submitted at https://www.worldgbc.org/case-study-library-submission-form
