Green Building at Duke University: Potential Energy Savings and GHG Benefits Achieved by Renovating Existing Residence Halls
Abstract
In the U.S., buildings currently account for 65% of total electricity consumption,
36% of total primary energy use, 12% of potable water consumption and 30% of total
greenhouse gas emissions. The growing field of green building encourages non-traditional
building designs that reduce energy use and natural resource consumption which in
turn minimize adverse environmental impacts. This study assesses the energy and environmental
benefits achieved through a recent LEED-certified renovation at Duke University’s
Kilgo Quad. Data for this analysis was collected by performing sustainability audits
and reviewing utility records to quantify changes in energy and water consumption
at Kilgo Quad and Few Quad, a similar building which is slated for renovation in Summer
2008.
Compared to the 2001 baseline, Kilgo Quad experienced significant reductions of 20%
in electricity consumption and 35% in water consumption immediately following the
renovation in 2004. However, Few Quad experienced greater reductions of 35% in electricity
consumption and nearly 50% in water consumption over the same time period, without
the benefit of any renovation. After 2005, annual increases in resource consumption
were two to three times larger in magnitude at Kilgo, returning the building to nearly
pre-renovation levels by 2006. By 2006, despite having less square footage, fewer
people and the benefit of the recently-completed renovation, Kilgo Quad used more
energy per square foot and more water per person than Few Quad. Kilgo Quad’s overall
CO2-eq emissions actually surpassed the emissions from Few Quad in 2006 as well.
While no single factor can be determined to account for this under-performance, it
is my belief that changes in individual demand for resources were a key driver behind
the unexpectedly high consumption levels at Kilgo. Upgrades to electrical wiring
increased plug-in load capacity by a factor of ten, enabling occupants to use electricity
differently and possibly contributing to greater phantom load impacts and a rebound
effect, neutralizing any efficiency gains expected after the renovation.
Further study is needed to determine exactly why Kilgo Quad is not performing as well
as Few Quad and exerting a larger impact on the environment. Green building offers
numerous benefits, and can contribute significantly to Duke University’s goal of becoming
carbon-neutral in the future, however it should be noted that achieving LEED certification
does not necessarily guarantee long-term reductions in energy and water consumption.
University planners must consider whether a renovation will change a building’s capacity
for consuming resources and then seek a good balance between optimal comfort and effective
resource management. Occupant education and improved metering strategies are also
critical keys to successful green renovations at Duke University.
Type
Master's projectSubject
green buildingLEED certification
energy efficiency
water efficiency
carbon footprint
Duke University
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https://hdl.handle.net/10161/505Citation
Franken, Jason (2008). Green Building at Duke University: Potential Energy Savings and GHG Benefits Achieved
by Renovating Existing Residence Halls. Master's project, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/505.Collections
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