Is LEED lip stick on a pig?
I like the concept of LEED however the acronym is probably in need of adjustment that would be more fitting in my mind. Leaders in Ecological Approach and Design comes to mind.
While the general concept has merit the implementation has morphed into something that really lacks Energy Efficiency. It is more of a badge to be worn saying I won enough points to win this game.
I was watching TV with my wife last night and she loves HGTV. This particular show was called Million Dollar Kitchens. They traveled the world finding opulent kitchens and baths and featured them on the program.
The show traveled to NYC where a five story home was featured. It had five floors an elevator, a more than 20 foot waterfall over 60 lighting fixtures for two people. It also has LEED certification.
How is this possible? Clearly a home such as this can only be described as an energy hog. I have no problem with folks spending their own money however they see fit. Whether this be on private jets, elevators, fur sinks, excessive energy costs and even LEED certification. However as one that has a general working knowledge of Energy Efficiency I am appalled it has come to this.
Once again I like LEED, The architect delivered the customer a cutting edge building design to their liking. I am sure they had proper site selection (point). I am sure they used local products (point). I am sure they used low VOC materials (point). I am sure the project used cutting edge recycled material (point). The light fixtures were LED (point) I am sure the space had oodles of natural light (point and game) However what does any of this have to do with Energy Efficiency?
The LEED project’s I have been privileged to walk are wonderfully designed. There is an ecological approach. The buildings feel welcome and inviting. I would absolutely love to work in such a building,these are all good things.
But when I see a five story building that houses two people has a more than twenty foot waterfall ( hey I am not even going to the building science training that is screaming at water rushing down a wall into an open pool in a closed environment) an Elevator and it is called a Leader in Energy and Environmental Design, well I lost it.
“Daddy” my daughter complained “don’t be one of those annoying people that can’t stop talking when someone is watching TV, you can leave the room.” My wife looked at me in total agreement with my daughter, having been on the other side of that look more than once and I stopped. I know better.
I also know that no matter how you spin it that building was not Energy Efficient. It was however beautiful, original, inviting, memorable and well designed. From an Energy Efficiency view however it was simply lipstick on a pig.