We have been presented with a unique opportunity on this project. We are at a time in the LEED rating system where we can hold on to the LEED NC v2.2 - what we’ve all become familiar with – or move forward with LEED’s new Green Building Design and Construction Rating system for 2009. As a project team executing an integrated design process for our client, we are working together to reach a goal of LEED Silver Certification or above on this project. The trick is to select the rating system that fits the client’s needs, not simply to put a plaque on the wall. Our goal is to create a facility that enhances health care delivery for the client and also is energy efficient and environmentally responsible.
In order to allow us to select either rating system, we registered our project under the LEED NC v2.2 rating system with the ability to upgrade into the LEED Green Building Design and Construction Rating system by the end of the year. By keeping our options open, the project team will be able to effectively analyze the differences between the two rating systems. This period of selecting either rating system is our window of opportunity to not only take steps to achieving our sustainable goals, but also quickly get up to speed with how the USGBC’s rating system is evolving.
After closer examination of the Green Building Design and Construction rating system, we noticed the point total thresholds have increased considerably. We also have an opportunity to achieve more points in the LEED categories. Key differences between the two LEED rating systems are the water efficiency requirements and the updated ASHRAE energy standard. The water efficiency standard has been increased to ½ gallon per minute, meaning it is now mandatory that faucets have a flow of less than ½ gallon per minute to achieve the credit. Under the v2.2 rating system, a ½ gallon per minute faucet was needed to achieve the credit. Given the increased stringency of the standard, we’re now weighing whether or not ½ gallon per minute is suitable water flow for everyday use. Achieving the water efficiency credit or not has a potential for a 4 point swing in our project. While we will all be working to adapt to the new rating system, having a grace period will allow us to find the best solution for the building and our client.
In the next post we’ll discuss more about the updated ASHRAE standard, as well as address some of the Material & Resource credits we’re targeting.
