A potential LEED project in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, had already begun demolition and some construction activities before a LEED AP was appointed. The extent of the work thus far has been land clearing, excavations and foundations preparation. The APs are now attempting to gauge whether the project is still eligible to target LEED V4 BD&C as some prerequisites will have to be urgently implemented. SSp1 is one such prerequisite which may be a hurdle for the project in registering for LEED BD&C

SSp1 queries: 

  1. Excavation construction activities have begun. Ethiopian best practice construction activities were observed but without an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan written or in place as this is by no means standard (or known) practice in Ethiopia. Can this be developed and then implemented 'retrospectively' for the remainder of the excavation and all of construction going forward? 
  2. The context is somewhat different in this location. For example there are no storm water inlets on or within the site vicinity and the adjoining roads are dirt roads. The nearest municipal storm water infrastructure is in excess of 100m at the nearest tarred road. Furthermore, the greatest portion of the site forms part of the excavation and as such runoff from site is mostly self contained and erosion and sedimentation has been naturally minimised. How does a project team approach this in terms of most best practice Erosion and Sedimentation Control activities not being practically possible or sensible? 
    1. Must sediment controls and storm water runoff still be considered? Where should a line be drawn of practicality and positive impact while still meeting the intent?
    2. Air borne pollution can still be minimised
    3. Impact from sediment carried by construction vehicles further afield will now be mitigated

The project team is interested in the feedback in this queries as this will impact timing and whether registration can commence.