Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/236242 
Year of Publication: 
2021
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 14211
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
In the absence of first-best climate policy, energy efficiency has figured prominently among strategies to reduce carbon emissions. One of the most sought-after green certification in the building sector is the internationally recognized Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED). This paper examines the effects of LEED certification on energy efficiency in federally owned buildings. Using propensity score matching and difference in differences models, we find no effect of LEED certification on average energy consumption. This reflects the fact that energy use is one of a number of attributes that receives scores under the LEED program. Buildings with above average energy scores have greater energy efficiency post-certification. Some other attributes, notably higher water scores, decrease energy efficiency post-certification. Trade-offs across LEED attributes account for the absence of energy savings on average. If energy efficiency is the primary policy goal, LEED certification may not be the most effective means to reach that goal.
Subjects: 
energy efficiency
LEED certification
energy savings
federal buildings
trade-off across LEED attributes
JEL: 
O31
Q41
Q48
Q52
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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