Carbon Metering
“Nothing can be managed until it is measured, and measuring use of electrical energy is crucial
to bringing its cost under control.” Energy Manager’s Quarterly: Third Quarter 2004
What is Green Globes?
Green Globes is a leading green building standard managed by the Green Building Initiative of Portland, Oregon. Buildings that achieve certification are rated on a scale of one to four “globes”, based on the number of points achieved under that system. While not as widely adopted as other standards, some organizations such as the Building Owners and manufacturers Association feel the standard more directly addresses the environmental concerns specific to their buildings.
Why Green Globes?
The Green Building Initiative cites as a central benefit of Green Globes, the ability to market environmental responsibility to “shareholders, tenants, and broader community”. Additionally, twenty-one states offer some sort of recognition or property tax credit for buildings that have achieved some level of Green Globes rating. Green Globes also has the benefit of being recognized by several commercial insurance companies, such as Travelers, Liberty Mutual, Aon, and Fireman’s Fund for purposes of discounted rates.
Why Green Globes?
There are two specific families of credits in the Green Globes system that submetering will help achieve. These include:
Integrated Design Principles C.2: “Reduced Energy Demand”
Protect and Conserve Water D.2: “Water Conserving Features”
Energy Submetering
Energy Credits under section Integrated Design Principles, C.2 Reduced Energy Demand require submetering for building system elements. Specific applications cited include lighting panels, air handling units, chillers, pumps, hot water heaters, furnaces, and boilers. Additionally, the Existing Buildings standards require submetering for tenant spaces (or individual cost centers), or functions or equipment that use a significant amount of energy.
Water Submetering
Water credits referencing Protect and Conserve Water, D.2 “Water Conserving Features call for submetering of water in all areas where there is “high water use operations” or a high occupation that uses significant water. Examples cited are wet-cooling towers, irrigation, commercial kitchens, laundries, laboratories, sports facilities, and DHW boilers.
References
Green Building Institute: www.gthegbi.org
Green Globes Existing Building Standard: http://www.greenglobes.com/design/Green_Globes_Design_Summary.pdf