Credit Optimization Algorithm for Calculating LEED Costs

Jae-Yong Park, Sul-Geon Choi, Da-Kyung Kim, Min-Chul Jeong and Jung-Sik Kong
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Jae-Yong Park: Graduate School of Civil, Environment and Architectural Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea
Sul-Geon Choi: Department of Architecture, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea
Da-Kyung Kim: Ecolead Corporation, 329 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04320, Korea
Min-Chul Jeong: Global Loss Control Center, Ph.D., 11th Fl., Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd., 29 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 04523, Korea
Jung-Sik Kong: Faculty of Civil, Environment and Architectural Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu 02841, Korea

Sustainability, 2017, vol. 9, issue 9, 1-19

Abstract: As environmental and energy issues continue to emerge as global concerns, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is becoming highly valued. However, since additional costs for LEED certification cannot be estimated before proceeding with certification projects, financial losses are often incurred. Additional construction costs are the most significant issue faced by enterprises aiming for LEED certification. Rough estimates of the range of additional construction costs are available, but it is difficult to identify factors that increase or decrease the price of a building. Thus, there is a need for a program that provides average data for LEED certification costs and suggests the easiest way to attain credits for a building. Considering that LEED certification is a rating system, this study develops an optimization algorithm that aims to derive the minimum score for a desired LEED level at minimal cost. Credits are studied and classified by their difficulty and the required cost, allowing for an algorithm that can suggest a customized approach to acquire the minimal required score. The practical, data-driven program developed herein helps shorten the consulting process and increases the accessibility of LEED certification.

Keywords: green building; LEED; credit; building energy; certification; LEED cost (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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