LEED Certification for new construction
LEED Certification for new construction
(OP)
I am in the final stages of negotiating a scope of work with an architect, and the subject of "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED) certification for the project came up. The architect wants me to add this to my scope of work for the structural engineering. Does anyone have experience with LEED certification as it relates to the structural portion of a project? I'm looking for estimates of the additional effort required.
Based on my initial review of the LEED certification handbook (http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=1095), I would guess about 10% additional effort, but I'm looking for some opinions based on experience.
Thanks,
-NKT
Based on my initial review of the LEED certification handbook (http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=1095), I would guess about 10% additional effort, but I'm looking for some opinions based on experience.
Thanks,
-NKT






RE: LEED Certification for new construction
RE: LEED Certification for new construction
RE: LEED Certification for new construction
Don Phillips
http://worthingtonengineering.com
RE: LEED Certification for new construction
Carl Bauer
www.bauerconsultbotswana.com
RE: LEED Certification for new construction
I'll definitely add a "no guarantee of LEED certification" clause to the agreement (thanks Don).
I'm enthusiastic about this aspect of the project; I like the idea of designing in an environmentally responsible manner... and documenting it. I am just a bit concerned about the scope of work being larger than my contracted fee.
From my limited research to date, it looks like the items I'll be paying attention to are:
1. Certified sustainably-harvested wood products
2. Recycled content:
fly ash in concrete
structural steel
3. Locally produced materials:
lumber
concrete aggregate
4. ...Any others to be aware of?
Thanks again,
-NKT
RE: LEED Certification for new construction
Earning LEED points with concrete:
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Structural Steel Contributions toward obtaining a LEED rating:
http://ww
LEED and masonry:
http://www.masonrymagazine.com/11-04/green.html
American Forest & Paper Association - Green Building Fact Sheets (in particular, see "How using wood can get you credit"-link):
ht
RE: LEED Certification for new construction
RE: LEED Certification for new construction
I was the "green" one - I learned a ton and it was a great opportunity for an all-exposed structural steel building. We ended up with a Platinum rating and a few other awards.
Make the most of the opportunity - you can really help shape the architecture of the building and at the same time increase LEED points. In terms of additional work, we were required to participate in an all day LEED workshop at project kick-off. There were accessories - solar panels, trees on the roof, solar shades, green house, cisterns and the like that you don't run into on your usual office building. You may also need to get all the LEED requirements into your specs.