Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design: Cases of LEED Certifications for Fulton County School Buildings in GA
Abstract (300 words maximum)
The Research Center for Sustainable Communities (RCSC) at Kennesaw State University (KSU) has been conducting analytical studies on how to enhance sustainability and reduce the carbon footprints of school infrastructures statewide in GA. The RCSC seeks ways in which the state could advance healthier and more sustainable, equitable, and cost-effective learning environments. Rooted in this initiative and funded by the KSU Office of Undergraduate Research, this research aims to examine the employment of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification as an outline for promoting the existing operation of school buildings. LEED is a globally recognized rating system with a set of rigorous standards developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). There are 808 high schools in Georgia, 18 of which are LEED-certified. Centered on Fulton County, the team will inquire about what measures were taken by these certificated high schools in the County that were not implemented in the rest of the County. The research will encompass a multi-faceted methodology, including a literature review, interviews (i.e., with county officials), and analysis of building certificate data. The findings will provide insights into the economic and environmental aspects of such certificates and the role of county decision-makers and stakeholders. Ultimately, the research will underline sustainability through environmental stewardship, economic prosperity, and social responsibility.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CACM - Architecture
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Pegah Zamani
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design: Cases of LEED Certifications for Fulton County School Buildings in GA
The Research Center for Sustainable Communities (RCSC) at Kennesaw State University (KSU) has been conducting analytical studies on how to enhance sustainability and reduce the carbon footprints of school infrastructures statewide in GA. The RCSC seeks ways in which the state could advance healthier and more sustainable, equitable, and cost-effective learning environments. Rooted in this initiative and funded by the KSU Office of Undergraduate Research, this research aims to examine the employment of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification as an outline for promoting the existing operation of school buildings. LEED is a globally recognized rating system with a set of rigorous standards developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). There are 808 high schools in Georgia, 18 of which are LEED-certified. Centered on Fulton County, the team will inquire about what measures were taken by these certificated high schools in the County that were not implemented in the rest of the County. The research will encompass a multi-faceted methodology, including a literature review, interviews (i.e., with county officials), and analysis of building certificate data. The findings will provide insights into the economic and environmental aspects of such certificates and the role of county decision-makers and stakeholders. Ultimately, the research will underline sustainability through environmental stewardship, economic prosperity, and social responsibility.