This is the IP thread, but I see others have posted general comments here so I'll do that as well.
I happened to be talking to Chris Marshall (USGBC staff member) today, and he said something about LEED generally that was so succinct I'd like to repeat it: namely, that LEED consists of some slam dunk credits that you always get, some impossible credits that you virtually never get, and a section of credits in the middle where you normally work. My overall impression of 2012 is that the majority of the slam dunk credits are gone. Which means we'll all have to start looking a lot harder at those "impossible" credits. To an appropriate degree, this is a good thing, and part of transforming the market. But there's only so much "impossible" we can all tackle in a single LEED upgrade, especially in a down market. I think this may be a step too far, one that will add more costs than my clients can live with.
Just as an example, looking at the PF category: Cx may more than double in cost because of significantly increased scope; M&V has gone up quite a bit in cost now that a signed contract is required; most projects will also require several water meters.
Another thing is increased complexity of credits (e.g. in LT, MR and EQ) that will result in higher fees needed for documentation. Another result will be that teams will feel they must hire a LEED consultant to manage it all-- a plus if you are a LEED consultant, like me, but not so great for owners! Also, in the case of MR and EQ at least, the added complexity doesn't seem to be adding environmental benefit. It would be nice if LEED documentation could be simplified with each version, not made more complex.
Julie Hendricks
PresidentSage Building Revival
163 thumbs up
September 14, 2011 - 11:19 pm
Just to clarify, I didn't mean to implicate Chris in any of my rambling opinions above. Those are all mine.
Karen Joslin
principalJoslin Consulting
216 thumbs up
January 18, 2012 - 11:59 am
Julie I could not agree with all of your observations more! We want Chris and the other staff who do not tackle the design process all day every day to get the message that this 2012 is just too far, too fast, without any chance to transition our clients and the industries involved. You give me hope that we can turn the tide before we lose the toehold LEED finally had with institutions, developers, building owners...
Michael Smithing
Director - Green Building AdvisoryColliers International Ltd.
304 thumbs up
January 18, 2012 - 12:11 pm
Perhaps I simplified the timeline, although I think I answered the original question. In reality they will try out contracted suppliers and then give more work to those who do the best. As most of the credits are actually not controversial they should be able to leave those until later in the process.
That said, the "L" in LEED is for "Leadership." I appreciate the feeling that LEED 2012 goes too far, too fast - my first reaction was that there are more than a few credits which will not be achievable for the first 12-24 months after the rating system is introduced. But unless LEED makes the requirement the industry will not provide it - ever. If we feel the intent is right then we should be willing to sacrifice credits now. If we believe that the intent is wrong then we should make our voices heard.
TODD REED
Energy Program SpecialistPA DMVA
LEEDuser Expert
888 thumbs up
January 18, 2012 - 12:28 pm
Karen I'm going to assume you do not understand how the versions of LEED are formed and who initially comes up with the credit language. It is volunteers who work in the industry, who tackle the design process all day, that volunteer their time to write the language. So your assumption that it is all LEED staff is not correct and its a bunch of people disconnected from the industry is incorrect.
Secondly, if you look at the differences between 2.2 and 2009 there is not that much difference in the majority of the credits. The market has caught up and it really is nothing to achieve Gold in project nowadays.
Thirdly, LEED is about market transformation and maybe the material credits went too far, maybe they didn't. But if you compare the requirements in many of the credits they are also the same as other industry standards.
LEED is voluntary (except for states that require public buildings to meet certain levels.) Not every project can earn every credit. I believe it was time for a big jump to push the industry to the next level.