A poorly designed envelope with a high-tech HVAC system is not, on the whole, efficient or cost-effective. Start with building orientation and passive design features first when looking for energy efficiency.
Consider the time that will be spent by administrative or maintenance personnel in administering any programs. Procedures, policies, and enforcement mechanisms may need to be developed.
Using an estimated budget to integrate reused or salvaged materials into the design and specs early on can help prevent costly change orders during construction.
Include a cushion for this credit, in case of changes in design and purchasing. For example, if you are counting on points for using 5% reused materials, plan for 10% of your budget to be spent on reused materials to avoid coming up short.
This is generally a low-cost credit. Reducing built parking capacity can even reduce construction and maintenance costs. The only added cost might be signage for preferred parking spaces, if applicable.
A transit-oriented project may need less parking area, contributing to SSc3.1—Alternative Transportation: Parking Capacity. You can also reduce your costs for parking construction, maintenance, and stormwater infrastructure and fees.
A transit-oriented project may need less parking area, contributing to SSc4.4: Alternative Transportation—Parking Capacity. You can also reduce your costs for parking construction, maintenance, and stormwater infrastructure and fees.
Establishing a regular shuttle for building occupants to a transportation hub can add additional costs. However, making commuting easier for your employees, or making your building more accessible to customers can pay off in productivity or sales.
A poorly designed envelope with a high-tech HVAC system is not, on the whole, efficient or cost-effective. Start with building orientation and passive design features first when looking for energy efficiency.