| dc.description.abstract | The construction industry in general has a high environmental impact. It is considered as the largest consumer of natural resources, mostly non-renewable, and it generates a significant volume of waste. The environmental certification arise as a tool for design, implementation and performance (post-occupancy), indicating guidelines for the environmental impacts reduction. The present study aims to analyze the performance of the scored criterias in the certification program, during the post-occupation of a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environment Design) commercial building, seeking also to recognize the user’s role and perception. The study was conduct through a study case that considered the information that was available in the certification documents, design information and energy and water consumption. To investigate the user’s role and perception, a comparison between "Building A" (with environmental certification) in relation to the "Building B" (without environmental certification) was considered. Overall, the results showed that the measured consumption of water was 31% below the LEED parameters, but 199% above the design parameters. The measured consumption of energy was 12% above the LEED parameters and 32% above the design parameters. As for the user’s role, it was found that the use of bicycles/changing rooms, the use of water saving devices, the use of staircases instead of elevators, the proper disposal of waste and awareness of the cigarette smoke are practiced and recognized actions by users. As for the user’s perception compared to a non-certificate building, the thermal comfort, greater transparency and exterior views were aspects seen as the most effective design strategies. | en |
