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MR Credits: What nothing on CSI Masterformat Alternatives

Jean Marais

b.i.g. Bechtold DesignBuilder Expert

LEEDuser Basic Member

581 thumbs up

October 28, 2011

In Germany we use the DIN 276, in the UK I think it is SMM7. As almost all MR credits are based on percentage cost with the cost denominator calculated as per the CSI categories, these credits are major headaches and usually abandoned. This issue needs addressing.

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Susan Walter

HDR

LEEDuser Expert

894 thumbs up

Mon, 10/31/2011 - 14:45

Jean, This is the opposite situation here in the US, the MR credits are fairly easy. How are these credits major headaches? Is it a lack of alignment with the CSI formats?

Susann Geithner

Principal

Emerald Built Environments

LEEDuser Basic Member

900 thumbs up

Mon, 10/31/2011 - 15:36

It starts with CSI categories being different from European categories, it goes on with contractors being unfamiliar with the process and definition of for instance post vs pre consumer recycled content and translation into English. For the regional materials, it's more so the level of detail for documentations, which makes projects shy away from it. Most projects have no problem using materials within 500 miles. The majority does that anyway. Looking at LEED 2012 this isn't getting any easier.

Eric Johnson

Sustainable Cost Solutions LLC

LEEDuser Premium Member

195 thumbs up

Tue, 11/08/2011 - 13:56

However the costs are categorized for a building they still all have the same material elements. Carpet is carpet in Germany, the UK, or the US. Revising the material cost budget may be an additional step that seems unnecessary, but it doesn't seem as difficult as completing an energy model or convincing the project to go greener?

Susan Walter

HDR

LEEDuser Expert

894 thumbs up

Tue, 11/08/2011 - 14:20

I agree, translating ASHRAE standards to other standards does seem more difficult. But the MR discussion reminds me of the early days of LEED (2001 - 2002) and calling every manufacturer, explaining LEED and asking questions. I know I wasn't the only one. But now we have manufacturers who understand the program and address it up front. Here is a link to the MasterFormat sections names by Division. It is a long document and it is only in English but maybe it starts to help with the MR problem. http://www.csinet.org/Home-Page-Category/Formats/MasterFormat/About-MF/numbersandtitles.aspx

Jean Marais

b.i.g. Bechtold DesignBuilder Expert

LEEDuser Basic Member

581 thumbs up

Fri, 11/11/2011 - 08:34

I disagree. Usually costing is done by a Qualified Quantity Surveyor. I'm not one of them, and the architectural firm doesn't have one that is familiar with the costing splits. Yes, a carpet remains a carpet, but into which category it falls is a problem. We in Europe simply have big problems with this. Architects working for the client often want as little to do with LEED as possible and are often downright unwilling to cooperate. If I, the LEED AP can't do it, it doesn't get done. That is the real life situation.

Eric Johnson

Sustainable Cost Solutions LLC

LEEDuser Premium Member

195 thumbs up

Fri, 11/11/2011 - 09:38

Jean, I know a European QS firm who would be happy to provide you the costing service. :)

Jean Marais

b.i.g. Bechtold DesignBuilder Expert

LEEDuser Basic Member

581 thumbs up

Tue, 11/15/2011 - 06:13

Could you post me a web-link please? I'll follow it up. Thanks.

Eric Johnson

Sustainable Cost Solutions LLC

LEEDuser Premium Member

195 thumbs up

Tue, 11/15/2011 - 12:30

Jean, You can contact me through LEEDuser if you want and I'll get back to you.