AGMBC indicates that for O&M projects, all buildings must have space types that are substantially similar. Glossary defines "substantially similar" as:
...buildings that function as a cohesive facility such as a corporate headquarters. ...it is expected that all buildings are same space type, but exceptions may be made for some projects with limited deviation...
The following buildings do not have similar space types but do function together on cohesive corporate site: Administration office, vehicle maintenance, vehicle wash and vehicle fueling. Could these buildings meet the "substantially similar" definition and be registered as a Group Project since on same corporate site?
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Hernando Miranda
OwnerSoltierra LLC
344 thumbs up
May 9, 2012 - 2:52 pm
Logic tells you, that yes, as long as the support buildings are incidental to the main building. Incidental meaning required as support to the main building project being certified.
What the USGBC and GBCI need to add to the AGMBC is a core functions allowance. What should be done with a certification is obvious to me, but I know it is not obvious to those developing the AGMBC rules.
For example, a project I got challenged on regarding multiple buildings was an old urban existing school. Although urban, this was not a school in a downtown with all functions located in a single building; the school layout featured many different buildings.
For the project, only the library and a site-disconnected auditorium were rebuilt. The LEED site was not contiguous, but it was reasonable and entirely contained withing the property line of the school.
The LEED reviewer claimed the project required two separate LEED submittals, but the buildings were small and the everything was built under one set of documents and using identical subcontractors; impossible and arbitrary to split into two parts.
The project ended up being one LEED project, but not without intervening help from the GBCI.
It is unfortunate that the "what is a LEED building" rules are preventing logic from being applied for certification. It is typical to use separate buildings for a school that all serve the same occupants. Libraries, auditoriums and classrooms are all required for a school to meet it functional requirements.
If an entire school were built new, and included 20 separate buildings, is that one LEED project, or is that 20 LEED projects?
If an existing school renovates or replaces two core function buildings is the one LEED project, or 2 LEED projects? Why should separation distance be a criteria in a case like this?
The correct answer to the questions above is: This is one LEED project based on core functions provided by the project where the same set of occupants on a regular basis use the same set of core functions.