Selecting a rating system LEED CI or NC?

Ali Kopyt

LEEDuser Basic Member

5 thumbs up

December 7, 2011

I have a two part question. I’m working on a project where a university purchased a large complex of buildings that are all interconnected. The building is technically owned by the state and being leased to different university departments. The department I’m working for is occupying two floors at one corner of the complex and another floor in one of the connected buildings (all contiguous space horizontally and vertically). We will be doing a complete interior build-out keeping main structural elements and stairs and adding some new exterior windows. We will also be doing some site work creating a park area for the occupants of our department only. Because we can’t control what goes on in the remainder of the building, our mechanical systems, or modify areas like the roof because there is a floor above us, would we be best suited to certify under CI versus doing NC? The second part of my question, if we certify our department under CI would future departments entering into long term lease in the same building want certify under CI as well?

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David Posada

Integrated Design & LEED Specialist

SERA Architects

LEEDuser Expert

1361 thumbs up

Thu, 12/08/2011 - 00:24

It sounds like CI is the best choice, but you'll want to check the MPR Guidance Revision #2 document carefully, especially pages 18 - 20 to see if your project is "distinct from other spaces." A lease is one way that can be defined. It might be worth looking at the lease language and see if it makes sense to add some "green lease" language that clarifies the expectations of owner and tenant with regards to the CI certification. For example, a green leases could require the tenant to use VOC compliant paints, cleaning supplies, Green label carpets, etc. Or it might require the owner to not allow smoking within 25' of the space's windows or other O&M practices to maintain LEED compliance. If other tenants are interested in pursuing CI for their spaces, they certainly could, but in the long run it might make more sense for the university to pursue LEED EB O&M for the whole facility, as that would provide requirements for all alterations, renovations, and ongoing facility management to align with LEED. There could be more opportunities to capture long term utility savings and O&M efficiency by addressing the whole facility rather than each department piecemeal.