where projects are not as sustainable as claimed . “ There ’ s a tendency for architects to focus on energy and water conservation , rather than examining the thermal performance of the building envelope beforehand .”
Blake also highlights the current alignment of BREEAM ( Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method ), the world ’ s leading sustainability assessment method for master planning projects , with LEED
( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ), a green building rating system . “ Historically they ’ ve been two competing sustainable criteria which may become a singular international standard ,” he says , adding that because his clients have become far more hands on and savvy about the advantages of sustainability , there have been alternative measures introduced to the industry such as EDGE ( Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies ), the green buildings certification . “ That has a much simpler , end-user set of tools which can be applied to see where you get your benefits and savings in
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