I am working on a project where two buildings directly adjacent to each other but separated by 10-20 feet are being designed to be connected by an underground tunnel. At the surface these buildings will also be connected by a stairway between them. We would like to be able to certify these two structures together as one building- does that seem like a reasonable approach? The other twist is that the buildings may be built in phases- one building one summer and the second building the second summer. I assume if we can treat the buildings and certify them as one this would only affect the timing of the construction phase submittals (that is, we would have to wait for the second building to be completed to submit). Does this sound on track? Feedback is much appreciated.
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Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11474 thumbs up
November 21, 2011 - 2:09 am
Dave, you'd want to consult the LEED Minimum Program Requirements supplemental guidance on this question, as well as the AGMBC. What is the underground tunnel used for? I have spent less time with the AGMBC than with the MPRs—according to them, if it's used for something other than parking or moving people, the buildings could be considered one building.
David Posada
Integrated Design & LEED SpecialistSERA Architects
LEEDuser Expert
1976 thumbs up
November 21, 2011 - 11:37 am
Dave, the typical approach has been to certify these buildings separately, especially if built in phases and if they have different HVAC systems and energy performance. The AGMBC is designed to allow separate phased projects like this share site credits while pursuing individual certification for each building. I agree with Tristan that you'll want to check the MPR Supplemental Guidance and new AGMBC language carefully.
Steve Khouw
PrincipalDNA GreenDesign
169 thumbs up
October 20, 2012 - 11:41 pm
I also have a similar 2-buildings-separated-by-circulation project. Would it be sensible to register in block under AGMBC, as a Group Project encompassing these 2 buildings notwithstanding the phasing so long as both are under same contract and satisfy the MPR? I know LOv3 has not been upgraded to cater for Group Projects so you still have to register each building (but do so in block) but USGBC promised to pay back the difference in fee charged when they can get their act together wrt LOv3.