Hello everyone;
A client of ours is developing an office building and is interested in achieving a LEED certification. The owner/builder plans to sell or lease each office separately, so we are planning to start a CS certification process. The problem is that the owner/builder doesn't want to close the possibility that a party will come further down the road and buy the building as a whole. If such an event does arises, what would happen with the certification process? Should the rating system be changed? What if this happens when the core and shell scope is nearly or totally complete?
Our client is also asking if the possible buyers or buyer wants to achieve another LEED certification which would be the options? We told him that in case there is many buyers each of them could apply for LEED CI. But in the case of one buyer appears for the whole building, we don't know if he could apply for CI. What do you think??
We need to have this clear before speaking to him again so help will be much appreciated.
David Posada
Integrated Design & LEED SpecialistSERA Architects
LEEDuser Expert
1980 thumbs up
June 27, 2011 - 3:23 pm
We've seen this happen - If someone buys the whole building before the certification is complete its reasonable for them to take over the CS certification process by changing the ownership info in LEEDOnline and resubmitting the necessary agreement forms. If the design and construction team doesn't change too much they can just continue as planned with their documentation - that's what matters most to the GBCI.
The new owner could pursue CI for their own space, even if it was the whole building, in addition to the CS certification of the "base building." CI was designed to complement a CS certification since it addresses different aspects of the building - primarily the office "build-out" of interior walls and finishes. It's a bit more trouble to pursue two certifications, but that's probably the best solution if there are different designers and contractors involved in the office build-out who weren't part of the base building work.
If there's a new owner who takes over the whole building before the design work is complete they might want to consider switching over to LEED NC since that might be easier than two certifications (CS + CI), but it would need to be early enough so that the Design Phase submittal could include the base building and all the office build out.
Hope that helps!
Rosana Correa
DirectorCasa do Futuro
31 thumbs up
December 12, 2011 - 11:52 am
Dear David,
I'm still a little insecure about this. We also have a C&S building, which was bought by a single owner, that will occupy the entire building.
The Rating System quotes: "Tenants who lease their space or do not occupy the entire building are eligible."
So, could you send me the source of the informationthat says we can have CI for a hole building/same owner?
Thank you!