I have a project where we are doing a CS certification for the building owner and a CI project for the main tenant at the same time. I was about to submit both for Preliminary Certification. Suddenly I'm questioning the included project areas in the CS project. I input the PI forms to include all the project GFA minus interior parking areas. But since we're submitting the CI certification do I subtract the CI area or do I include it in the total area of the CS project? I realize this sounds ridiculously late but it was only when I went to calculate the LEED fees that I realized the initial calculation was made on the basis that the CI and CS project would be added together; however if I include the CI project areas in the CS project GFA then basically the CI project is paid for twice, once included in the GFA of the CS project and once via its own certification fee. Please help!
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Kevin Flynn
AIA, LEED FELLOW11 thumbs up
March 12, 2013 - 9:41 am
Melissa -
We'll see what the experts say but here are my thoughts.
I completely understand the desire to save the expense of a "double" fee. However, while it may seem to be a double fee, it really isn't.
The LEED CS certification is for the entire building and the CI fee is for only a portion of the building space. If the main tenant were someone other than the owner, they would certainly expect to pay the CI fee for their project.
You didn't mention how much space, or percentage of the overall square footage will be taken by the owner/main tenant. If the owner is building out a major portion of the building for their own use then LEED NC would perhaps been a better choice of rating systems when registering the project. (That doesn't do you much good now though, does it?)
Kimberly Frith
323 thumbs up
March 12, 2013 - 8:35 pm
Melissa,
I know it does seem odd to have double the fees which is exactly the case for a 100% tenant-occupied build-to-suit project pursuing CI inside a CS building. This happens quite often, when LEED-NC would also be an appropriate rating system but for one reason or another the project team splits the certification into two (perhaps different design & construction teams). Kevin's point is accurate and illustrates the intent of the two separate certifications.
Melissa Merryweather
DirectorGreen Consult-Asia
245 thumbs up
March 12, 2013 - 9:14 pm
Thanks both! I was so certain of this answer that I pushed the "submit" button but its good to read your affirmation. It would be great if GBCI clarified this somewhere since the two systems are meant to go together. I can't be the only person who was finally less than 100% sure--I didnt' uncover anything despite a thorough search. Always nice to have LEEDUser as another resource.....