Tag Archives: Department of Defense

Federal Green Building Code Creates Unnecessary Risks and Costs

Someone recently asked me why I was baffled about the Department of Defense’s decision to use both LEED and a green building code.  Here are two reasons:  1.  The policy is a waste of taxpayer money. 2.  The policy unnecessarily increases risks for government contractors. LEED + Green Building Code = Duplicative Costs This concept is so logical … Continue Reading

Not April Fool’s: Defense Department to Adopt Green Code and LEED

In last week’s post, I stated that the Army was abandoning LEED certification in lieu of a green building code based on ASHRAE 189.1.  But it is now clear to me that I misinterpreted the testimony of Dr. Dorothy Robyn, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense. Instead, the Department of Defense is going to simultaneously require compliance with its … Continue Reading

Army Abandons LEED Certification

Correction:  It is now clear to me that I misinterpreted the testimony of Dr. Dorothy Robyn, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense.  Instead, the Department of Defense is going to simultaneously require compliance with its green building code and with LEED certification. Read more here:  Defense Department to Adopt Green Code and LEED   We have entered a … Continue Reading

Army To Continue Pursuing LEED Gold and Platinum

I had been hearing whispers that the Army planned to ignore the recently-enacted LEED ban, and now we have proof. Back in December 2011, GBLU reported on legislation that banned the Department of Defense from pursuing LEED Gold or Platinum certification.  As reported by BuildingGreen, despite the new law, the Army is reiterating its commitment to … Continue Reading

Congress Restricts LEED Spending

It has been a rough year for Congress.  The Republican and Democrats, the House and Senate — no one can seem to agree.  Unless we are talking about green buildings.  In June, I reported on the Department of Defense Reauthorization bill that passed the House of Representatives.  In the legislation, the Department of Defense was … Continue Reading

Does the Congressional LEED Ban Make Sense?

One of the great parts about Green Building Law Update is interacting with astute readers. One recent comment has forced me to rethink the proposed Department of Defense Reauthorization Bill ban on LEED certification. In the comments to last week’s post, reader R. David Chambers asked an important question: Chris – your quoted section says … Continue Reading

Defense Department LEED Funding to Be Eliminated?

It is not looking pretty for federal green building policy. Earlier in the year, I speculated that Congress might target green building certification as an unnecessary cost.  Well, it happened.  From the ASHRAE Government Affairs Update:  House Passes National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2012 – Would Require Cost-Benefit Analysis & Long-Term Payback for DoD Adopting … Continue Reading

Conflicts Between Anti-Terrorism Standards and Green Building

On Monday, I discussed conflicts between military construction and green building certification.  Green building certification was originally created for commercial office buildings, which can create some odd applications in military construction.  While we have have already discussed energy efficiency, bicycle racks and HVAC systems, there is one component of military construction that conflicts directly with … Continue Reading
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