Comment on: "Spatial variation among green building certification categories: Does place matter?" by Cidell and Beata

In a paper recently published in this journal, Cidell and Beata (2009) used a one-way ANOVA test with a post hoc procedure (Bayesian model selection) to assess the importance of spatially sensitive certification of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. However, this analysis is inappropriately applied as it fails to recognize dependencies and hierarchies among the observation units, which result in pseudoreplication. Using an alternative, three-stage sampling method based on the neoFisherian paradigm, this paper reanalyzed the spatial sensitivity of the LEED categories. Contrary to Cidell and Beata's findings, the reanalysis shows that the indoor environmental quality (aspatial) category seems to be more preferable than the sustainable sites and energy and atmosphere (spatially sensitive) categories for LEED projects in the United States.