Separate Demolition Package from Construction Package

In my opinion, the date the project is registered with the GBCI determines when your project formally declares its’ intent to pursue LEED certification and all requirements are in play. Having separate packages and/or contracts for the demo and construction work is insignificant. If the project is registered after the demo work, it seems to me it then becomes more of an issue of how committed the team is to sustainability. This also represents an opportunity to be an environmental steward and leader in the community, provide deconstruction experience for a team, and create favorable public relations and branding opportunities for the project owner. You might also check to see if there are tax incentives in your area for deconstruction to support your business case. Run some numbers for the financial pros and cons of each scenario. Depending on the type and age of your building, there may be some real interest in the community for that salvage.

Yes, it is required. If you read through the MPRs there is a line in there about having to include all work done prior to construction that was necessary to be complete for the LEED building to be constructed (or some such). If the old building came down to make way for your LEED project, then you need to track it. We've had several projects where road work or demo work has to be included and we've had to coordinate with different contractors and architects.