Hello,
I am not sure under what LEED certification type this building would fit better...
The building is a higher education student center that will have only the exterior walls and HVAC systems renovated/replaced. The idea is to keep the building operational while the renovation is happening (thus it should not fall under NC/Major Renovation).
Can this be certified under C&S? As this is an existing building, obviously the interior is already designed, but it will not be part of the scope of the project and no/very minimal changes will be made to the actual interior of the building.
Thanks!
Andrey Kuznetsov
ESG consultant, LEED AP BD+CSelf Employed
34 thumbs up
May 11, 2024 - 12:09 pm
I failed to find direct restriction of beeing operational on buildings under renovation in Ref Guide or any other USGBC explanations. Maybe there is some indirect restriction, but I also can not imagine such. If someone knows about such - any input would be welcome.
In my universe C&S projects does not differ much from NC in LEED in terms of requiremets to the building and it's construction process. So if it possible to such project to be certified under C&S (spoilers - it can), so it also can go for NC (also - in terms of overall requirements - such as it's new or renovated building, at which major parts are replaced).
Regarding your specific case based on description - I advise you to go on NC/Major Renovation since such huge alteration (envelope and HVAC) is enough to fall under Major Renovation, and NC - since if it would be operational during the renovation (I assume renovation would be done part by part of the building - while one is renovated - other parts are operational), so it would be done fitout and terminal HVAC equipment (like fancoils, diffusers and ventilation grids, devices of direct air supply and intake, radiator heaters, etc) would be installed.
Of course, if you want C&S since it gives you an oportunity to cut some corners on specific credits (you considred it based on your project analysis) - go for it.