Hello,
My question is also about the rating system selection. We are considering LEED certification for a new construction project that will consist of 3 commercial retail spaces on the first floor and 9 condominium units total on the second and third floors. The lot is zoned commercial and it is in the town business district. Using the rating system selector, it seems that we technically (because of the commercial zoning) could use the NC rating system, but it also seems that if we hire a Homes provider, that the condominiums could be LEED for Homes certified, but what would we do with the commercial area of the building? My understanding is that the whole building needs to be certified, so would we have to use both rating systems? Also, it seems that the fundamental commissioning requirement of NC would be difficult because, as of now, the individual units will have separate HVAC systems and they would all need to be verified, as well as the commercial spaces? We are concerned about costs, but if we can get over the hurdle of the system selection, we can move on to a cost analysis to see if perusing LEED (any system) certification is within budget.
Thank you.
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Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11478 thumbs up
January 11, 2011 - 3:11 pm
Jennifer, I think you are correct that LEED-NC is the right choice here. However, if you use the 40/60 rule given in the rating system selection policy I could see an arguement being made for LEED for Homes. Seems like you have some choice.
Elizabeth (Zeba) Floyd
Project DirectorSustainable Design Consulting LLC
LEEDuser Expert
14 thumbs up
March 1, 2011 - 2:30 pm
Do you view the LEED-Homes Multifamily Mid-Rise as the required rating system when the project is over 60% residential? Or is LEED-NC still an option?
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11478 thumbs up
March 1, 2011 - 2:50 pm
Elizabeth, I would say that LEED for Homes would be strongly recommended at 60% residential, but not necessarily "required." Are there particulars from your project that you'd like feedback on?
Ted Bardacke
LEED Faculty (ND), AICP, Senior Associate, Green UrbanismGlobal Green USA
62 thumbs up
March 16, 2011 - 12:24 pm
Elizabeth: To me this sounds like a LEED for Homes project (3 stories, mostly residential, individualized HVAC) and will certainly be cheaper to pursue as HERS rating is almost always cheaper than commissioning. If the project is 4 stories, then it is LEED-Homes Midrise. Both regular Homes and Mid-rise have guidance for the commercial tenant space that will also be more flexible than NC.