Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 3

know l e dge

Using

Triple Bottom
Line Analysis
to

Inform
Design

Principal and National Sustainability Director Lidia
Berger, MEM, LEED Fellow, LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP
O+M, ENV SP, defines the importance of incorporating
benefit-cost analysis into the sustainable design process.

How is triple bottom line analysis
effective for LEED® certification?

How have you implemented
this in the design process?

The triple bottom line (TBL) is a benefit-cost analysis

Utilizing SROI analysis positively impacts our design

that evaluates the financial, social, and environmental

decisions for sustainable projects. In a recent renovation

values of a project. The new LEED Pilot Credit (SSpc113)

project influenced by LEED design, the team explored

uses TBL analysis with LEED design strategies by

how workplace and energy-efficient improvements

measuring the incremental benefits and costs when

translate into TBL returns over the 30-year lifespan

pursuing credits.

of the project. We calculated the impacts produced by

The results are based on the level of impact from each

the investment in energy and water efficiency, and IEQ

credit analyzed against the TBL framework. The analysis

improvements and CWM to determine the net present

uses the sustainable return on investment (SROI) process

value (NPV) of benefits for the owner and building

that incorporates research-based economic approaches

occupants. Our results determined that the project's

to determine the monetized value of a project's TBL. SROI

sustainability enhancements will have a positive NPV

identifies benefits for the client as well as society and the

and a total benefit of approximately $2.6 million over

environment, creates a strong business case backed by

the 30-year lifespan, a yield of $5.50 value for each $1

data, and offers the flexibility to prioritize design elements.

invested in LEED-compliant upgrades.

The SROI analysis calculates the TBL benefits for
environmental quality (IEQ) improvements and

What technology is used
for these analyses?

construction waste management (CWM); incorporating

Impact Infrastructure's Autocase software models the

capital and replacements costs; and the monetized value

costs, benefits, and risks of sustainable investments using

for potential social and environmental impacts. Upon

TBL cost-benefit analysis. It provides real-time feedback on

completion, this analysis communicates the incremental

a design's financial, social, and environmental value. The

costs and benefits of achieving each LEED credit.

tool is valuable in the design process and helps prioritize

strategies such as energy and water efficiency, indoor

sustainable benefits while staying within budget.

Summer 2017

3


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_rrsipSLbQ&t=18s&list=PLdda-FN5Ovzi-Y_Qmrt1jAjE2Dif51eJT&index=14

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dimensions - Summer 2017

In This Issue
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - Cover1
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - In This Issue
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 1
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 2
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 3
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 4
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 5
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 6
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 7
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 8
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 9
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 10
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 11
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 12
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 13
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 14
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 15
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 16
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 17
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 18
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 19
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 20
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 21
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 22
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 23
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 24
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 25
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 26
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 27
Dimensions - Summer 2017 - 28
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