THE INFLUENCE OF GREEN BUILDING RATING TOOLS ON BUILDINGS AND ITS USERS

Abstract

This paper studies the various aspects of Green Building Rating Tools, drawing particular attention to the issue of reassessment. The critical issue will be pertaining to the fact that while the assessment of buildings under Green Building rating systems have been ongoing since 1990, there are still several major issues that have plagued Green Building rating systems since their inception. Upon closer scrutiny, we find that the assessment criteria for many established Rating Tools have been rigorouslydeveloped to encompass buildings of different types and function. The same cannot be said for the process of reassessment. While the reason for implementing the Green Building Rating System is well and good, the means to which it is executed has drawn varied criticism across many in the building and construction industry. For many Green Building Rating Systems, the complex nature to which the points are awarded for buildings under assessment have raised serious doubts towards their genuine value as a Green Building. Moreover, the issue of perennial assessment as a form of revalidation for certified Green Buildings has been largely overlooked. The performance between a Green Rated building and a non-green rated building is also an issue that can be discussed from many points-of-view. Perhaps the most important issue will be if the human factor warrants significant attention in this discourse. The over-emphasis on energy savings and carbon footprint has drawn attention away from values such as occupational comfort and environmental education.This dissertation attempts to discover the process of reassessment for Green Building rating tools, in recognition that a certified Green Building should and must remain as Green as it claimed to be, in the period of reassessment. Aspects of the rating checklist will be analysed and certified Green Buildings will be scrutinized against those that are not. The issue of occupant comfort as a measure of Green Building will also be explored.