Since this article was published (2017) there has been a slow progression from checklist-type green building certifications like LEED to performance based appro

Since this article was published (2017) there has been a slow progression from checklist-type green building certifications like LEED to performance based approaches like Passive House which use measurable metrics - like air-changes-per-hour at 50 pascals (ACH50) and modeled heating/cooling energy consumption per unit area of living space. These standards, however should be updated to consider occupant load and ongoing monitoring of energy consumption in these structures. Although approaches like these if done well are a huge improvement for a building's occupants (in comfort and efficiency), they are of still of limited global impact because they are optional. Going forward, to have any hope of impact on climate change the best of these approaches, from architectural and system design to construction, needs to be put into the building codes. Relying on the Prius (or nowadays Tesla) effect is not enough. That said, demand for increased savings/efficiency and comfort must be induced in the population via incentives and via the general discourse, and not just be part of an expensive optional green building certification pursued by enthusiasts.