What is the definition of one building? Specifically, how much connection between two building portions must there be in order for LEED to consider it one building? My project could appear in floor plan to be three separate buildings with a hallway's width between each. Two of the building portions are connected by a full roof structure overhead, creating a breezeway. The third building appears to also be connected by roof structure, but technically is only physically connected by two roof members tied into the roof structure of its neighboring portion, which is supporting that roof. No electrical or mechanical are spanned between these two, just the main plumbing and sewage lines, and the concrete slab. Visually, it will appear to be all one building. Is this enough of a connection to defend it being one building? Thanks.
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Jon Clifford
LEED-AP BD+CGREENSQUARE
LEEDuser Expert
327 thumbs up
March 15, 2016 - 11:10 pm
Cynthia—The definition of “one building” is on page 22 of the MPR Supplemental Guidance (http://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-2009-mpr-supplemental-guidance-revis...). LEEDuser members may also see “Bird’s Eye View” tab on the MRP2 forum for more clarification (http://www.leeduser.com/credit/NC-2009/MPR2 ).
If a project cannot qualify as one under these definitions, it can pursue a “Group” or a “Master Site” campus certification (http://www.leeduser.com/topic/new-leed-guidance-campuses-and-multiple-bu...) using the LEED Campus Guidance for Projects on a Shared Site (http://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-campus-guidance). In fact, if the buildings are built simultaneously as a single construction contract, the Group approach is usually the next best thing to a single-building certification.
Cindy Quinn
PrincipalEcological Environments, LLC
16 thumbs up
March 17, 2016 - 4:12 pm
Thanks, Jon. I've read through the definition and I'm a little confused by criteria a) "Space that can be included in the gross floor area of the project that serves a purpose other than parking or the circulation of people is contiguous throughout the structure."
Do you understand this to mean that if a space isn’t contiguous it wouldn't qualify as one building. Or does it mean that parking and circulation don’t count and because the breezeways are circulation, then our project should be ok?
Alan Scott
Senior AssociateWSP
16 thumbs up
March 17, 2016 - 7:06 pm
Hi Cynthia,
First, I agree with Jon that a Group certification may be most appropriate here. To answer your question regarding the definition of contiguous space, they are referring to enclosed space that serves a programmatic function, other than storage, circulation or parking, so in other words, having rooms that serve the primary function(s) of the building that are contiguous between otherwise separate portions of the building mass. What this definition excludes are things like enclosed connecting passages or skybridges, or parking podiums that connect several discrete towers. Getting back to your original question, the answer might depend on whether you are using v2009 or v4, as the Minimum Program Requirements are a little different between versions. The following passage from the v4 MPR guidance (http://www.usgbc.org/node/2742911?return=/credits/new-construction/v4/mi... ) might be useful:
“For other cases such as buildings that have programmatic dependency (spaces – not personnel – within the building cannot function independently without the other building) or architectural cohesiveness (the building was designed to appear as one building), project teams are encouraged to contact USGBC to discuss their project prior to proceeding.”
Per this advice, and if the Group certification approach is for some reason not desirable for your project, I suggest contacting USGBC technical customer service to discuss the specifics and get guidance on your preferred approach to defining the LEED project.
Cindy Quinn
PrincipalEcological Environments, LLC
16 thumbs up
March 23, 2016 - 4:33 pm
Thank you Alan. That is very helpful!
Jon Clifford
LEED-AP BD+CGREENSQUARE
LEEDuser Expert
327 thumbs up
March 23, 2016 - 9:00 pm
Cynthia—The language that Alan linked to is completely valid if your project is LEEDv4, but since you posted on an NC-2009, I assumed that yours is an NC-2009 project. If this is so, the definition in the LEED-2009 Supplemental Guidance that I cited prevails. (Truth be told, I suspect that, even for a LEED-2009 project, reviewers would accept the more expansive and flexible v4 definition.)
To your March 17 question about “gross floor area” in the LEED-2009 “one building” definition: LEED uses the ASHRAE-90.1 definition of GFA, which measures area “from the outside faces of exterior walls” and excludes non‐enclosed “roofed‐over areas such as exterior covered walkways…and similar features” as well as “floor area dedicated to the parking and circulation of motor vehicles.” Strictly applying this definition, you appear to have three separate buildings.
That said, Alan’s advice concerning “architectural cohesiveness” is excellent! If you can make a convincing case that your project truly appears to be a single building, USGBC may give it their blessing.