Recent Master of Architecture graduate Tracie Reed has been awarded the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) Student Research Award for her outstanding work in the field of Green Building.

Reed received the award for her published research titled, “An Analysis of LEED and BREEAM Assessment Methods for Educational Institutions.” Reed’s corresponding authors were Peggi Clouston, Simi Hoque, and Paul Fisette, faculty in the Department of Environmental Conservation. The paper was published in the Winter 2010 edition of the prominent Journal of Green Building.

The investigation entailed an analytical comparison of two of the world’s primary environmental assessment methods for educational institutions -Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED), and Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment (BREEAM.)

Reeds research provides a systematic comparison to the way each method handles all categories of environmental significance: acoustics; design planning and bldg. operation; energy and atmosphere; indoor air quality; lighting and daylighting; materials and resources; site; transport; water efficiency; and innovation and education.

The work identifies specific strengths and weaknesses of both methods with the bold purpose of improving both assessment methods. Director of the Masters of Architecture program, Stephen Schreiber noted that Reed’s research “promises to strengthen both systems, and to lead to more sustainable school designs.” It’s something that everyone should pay attention to.” Tyler Blazer emphasized the importance of this research to a “generation of future architects.” Reed has also recently been selected to serve on a National Architecture Accreditation Board (NAAB) accreditation visit as a representative of the AIAS.

October 4, 2010.