LEED certification, while one of the best things to happen to the world of green building, is not perfect. It often means a much, much greener residence or retail space, for example, but has been criticized for enabling builders to focus only on the green building steps that net the most LEED points (instead of those that would specifically benefit the building the most) and can’t help with what happens after the owners move in and their energy habits take over. Or such was the case until recently. The latest version of LEED certification (LEED v3) requires LEED-certified buildings to submit operational performance data on a recurring basis, in simpler terms; you’ll be required to report on your energy use.

So far the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) hasn’t said that the information they receive from the performance data will result in anyone losing LEED certification or being asked to change their energy use, but rather has specified that they’re collecting the information to help aid them when they set up further versions of LEED. Having to turn in energy use reports may be enough, however, to keep green building owners thinking about their energy use and minimizing wherever possible—sort of like homework that aids the environment. Click here to read more

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You can imagine any 110-story tower would have a big impact on the earth, but soon the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere will be eco-friendly. The Sears Tower, which is about to be renamed the Willis Tower for the insurance company that now resides there, will get a $350 million green-over that will reduce energy use by 80 percent and save 24 million gallons of water each year. That’s a pretty impressive improvement considering the skyscraper already meets LEED standards.

The plans include new windows that will control the indoor climate despite the diverse Chicago seasons, gas boilers equipped with fuel cells to generate electricity, new energy efficient elevators and escalators, new water-saving restroom fixtures, a condensation recovery system to recycle water, lighting that dims according to daylight conditions, solar panels to heat water, wind turbines and a green roof. Whew!

Besides being an example of green changes, the building will be home to a Sustainable Technology Learning Center, that can teach others to make green changes, too. The center will help visitors learn how to save money and be more eco-friendly at the same time. With the Empire State Building announcing similar green renovations earlier this year, perhaps this is a new trend in landmark skyscrapers.

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Soon you may be able to get a greener cup of over-priced coffee. Starbucks has set several eco-friendly goals and all new, company-owned stores will aim to earn LEED certification starting in 2010. The new stores will be 25 percent more energy efficient with 50 percent of their power coming from renewable resources. Long term (by 2015), Starbucks plans to swap incandescent bulbs for LED bulbs and transition to a cup supply that is 100 percent reusable or recyclable. Until then bring your own refillable cup to help save the earth and save yourself 10 cents.

These days, Starbucks closes more stores than it opens, but they want their new ones to feel more like a unique neighborhood coffee shop than a chain. Not only will they have a vibe that reflects the location, they’ll also feature local materials and recruit skilled local craftsmen to get the job done. Choosing local means less energy is needed since materials won’t have to be shipping cross-country or cross-continent.

The first store of this kind opened in March in Seattle. Click here to read more

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