CSI Masterformat

Assuming your project is NC2009, I would not rely on NCv2.2 guidance for which divisions/sections to reference because I'm not sure the old Division 2 conversion to the Division 31 and 32 sections LEED includes was an exact translation. For purposes of your calculations, consult one of the published tables to convert your 1995 Div2 specs to the appropriate sections in the 2004 format. I wouldn't bother converting any of the other sections. Also, I never enter the CSI divisions in the material calculator. It's optional information and providing it just creates opportunities for questions and confusion.

Kotaro - I am not sure what guidance in LEED-NC v2.2 for MasterFormat 1995 that you are referring to but here's what I would do. The biggest change between v2.2 and 2009 is that the cost of Division 2 used to be completely included in v2.2 but only a few Sections are included in 2009. You don’t have to convert everything to MasterFormat 2004 but you should convert Division 2 (MF 1995) into the correct Divisions/Sections in MF 2004. Then only count the costs in the listed sections from LEED 2009 (Division 31 (Sections 31.60.00 Foundations) and 32 (Sections32.10.00 Paving, 32.30.00 Site Improvements, and 32.90.00 Planting). Then include the costs from Divisions 03-10 (MF 1995), which are close enough between MF 1995 and 2004. There used to be good resources online to help you easily convert to MF 2004 but since MF 1995 is so old now that many of those resources are no longer available directly from CSI. I did find this website - http://www.masterformat.com/transitionguide/, which does a single section number conversion. Google “MasterFormat 1995 to 2004” to get some other resources that will help you with the conversion. Look for an Excel spreadsheet (currently one is posted from Stanford) that is very helpful.

as evident by the comments here and my own questions on a current project - there seems to be a lot of general confusion throughout the years as to what divisions/sections the BDC MR Calculator should include and what should be excluded - with 'gray' areas that presumably would be included if they helped raise the percentages and omitted if they don't (ie paving). Why can't the usgbc/gbci issue a template BDC Material and Resource Calculator with all the CSI sections that should be included in the first column? This would be incredibly helpful - we could just delete the lines that don't apply. They could issue 2 versions - MF 1995 and MF2004 for LEED NC2009 projects.

Michele - What a great idea! I too have a long wish list of things I would love for USGBC to implement to make the process smoother and more straightforward. (For instance, wouldn't it be great if USGBC were monitoring this forum and took your idea and ran with it?)

shhh Michelle - I think they are monitoring .... reminds me of a quote from Auden Schendler ' the USGBC should be aiding and abetting green projects' ... ;-)