We are a general contractor, and these days we've been doing a lot of tenant improvements around the city.
As a demonstration tool for what we're capable of, we'd like to pursue LEED CI without breaking the bank, so to speak. The thing is, we own this building (which is about 25 years old with a small 5 year old addition) and occupy the entire space and don't want to do any major rework of the envelope, structure or HVAC system.
With that, are we ineligible for LEED CI?
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11477 thumbs up
June 17, 2010 - 3:52 pm
Joel, if you haven't already you should check out the official Rating System Selection policy from USGBC.Depending on the scope of work, I would say that LEED-CI is possible, although LEED-NC may also be appropriate. You should also consider LEED-EBOM, since it will give you LEED project experience, and is more appropriate for you if you want to limit your scope of work.
Joel Loes
Project ManagerKlinger Constructors, LLC
6 thumbs up
June 17, 2010 - 6:05 pm
I've had another LEED AP and consulting firm say that we wouldn't be able to pursue CIv3 because we've been in the building for so long and own it rather than lease the space.
The Rating System Selection Policy doesn't mention the specifics of owning vs. leasing with regards to choosing CIv3, which would suggest we could pursue it.
I'm a bit stuck considering I've gotten both a "yes" and a "no" from multiple sources each.
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11477 thumbs up
June 17, 2010 - 6:19 pm
Keep in mind the rating system selection guidance is not rigid—you have some leeway and in this case it's probably worth contacting GBCI to get their recommendation, as they have the final say.Check the top of page 3, which gives two conditions that, as I read, BOTH have to be true to disqualify a project from LEED-CI. The first one has to do with ownership. I would say that your project is described by #1 but is potentially not described by #2, thus giving you an opening to pursue LEED-CI if you want to do so.If that is what you want to do I would contact GBCI and see if they go for it.
David Posada
Integrated Design & LEED SpecialistSERA Architects
LEEDuser Expert
1979 thumbs up
June 18, 2010 - 4:19 pm
You could also start the registration process in LEED Online and walk through the "wizard" that guides you through selecting an appropriate rating system.
I think Tristan pointed out the key issue; whether the work being done would be considered a "major renovation" or an "alteration." Make sure you check the definitions in the end of the MPR Supplemental Guidance and the Reference Guide. One of the last screens in the selection wizard has a helpful table that directs you toward a particular rating system based on the extent of work scope for finishes, structure, hvac, etc.
Oddly, I can only find a definition of "alteration" in the EBOM 2009 Reference Guide Introduction, page xxiii. Here, an Alteration is work that affects no more than 50% of the building, or would cause relocation of more than 50% of occupants. "Mechanical electrical or plumbing systems upgrades that involve no disruption to usable space are excluded."
It sounds like your project may qualfy under CI rather than NC; you'll want to
Erin Cooper
Cooper Green Design3 thumbs up
July 15, 2010 - 2:54 pm
You wrote: "The Rating System Selection Policy doesn't mention the specifics of owning vs. leasing with regards to choosing CIv3, which would suggest we could pursue it."
It sure doesn't! The best (yet difficult to find on the website) resource is The LEED MPR Supplemental Guidance document. You can find it here and see page 10 for LEED-CI own vs. lease:
http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=6473
I've done a number of studies comparing rating systems for projects, and this document is a must-read. If it still isn't clear, then contact GBCI.