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It is important to get buy-in from all tenants. Holding a meeting with all tenants to explain the intention of LEED certification and address specific concerns can help get the whole building on board.
Even though LEED Online only asks for 20% of the cut sheets to be uploaded, all material cut sheets should be saved as backup data may be requested of the project during the USGBC’s credit reviews.
Streamline documentation and research by taking data gathered from subs via the Environmental Material Reporting Form and transfer it to a master spreadsheet for all the items being tracked across MR and IEQ credits. For example, you may need to ask the furniture rep for regional information for MRc5,
Include submittal requirements within each targeted construction spec section and add general requirements to the Division 1 bid package. Include a copy of any submittal documents that the contractor may need to fill out.
Whenever possible, designate in the construction specifications that contractors use specific sources that you have verified as suppliers of reused items. This will help save research time for the contractors.
Analyze the initial cost budget to know what materials the project can target and incorporate LEED requirement language accordingly into construction specs for the specific materials. The contractor will appreciate not having to fill out forms for materials that are not reused, or that have so little cost value that it is a waste of time.
Incorporating the LEED requirements directly into the drawings and specs is a good way to remind the contractor and subcontractors of the requirements.
If using salvaged furniture, make sure the durability of the product has not been compromised, or you may need to replace the salvaged item with a new product all too soon.
