The modeler completes the energy analysis of the selected design and system and offers alternative scenarios for discussion. The modeler presents the energy cost reduction results to the team, identifying the LEED threshold achieved.

Option 1: Whole Building Energy Simulation

Schedule delays can be avoided if all team members share their ideas and update documents during the design development process. 

Consider using building information modeling (BIM) tools to keep design decisions up to date and well documented for all team members.

If you change or go through value-engineering on any specifications, such as the solar-heat gain coefficient of glazing, for example, be aware of impacts on mechanical system sizing. Making changes like this might not pay off as much as it first appears.

Constant communication and feedback among project team members, owner, and if possible, operational staff, during design development can minimize construction as well as operational costs and keep your project on schedule. 

The architect and engineer, and other project team members, continue to develop a high-performance building envelope with efficient mechanical and lighting systems. 

A long documentation list can be overwhelming for your team, so create a detailed checklist with tasks delegated to individual team members, allowing each member to focus on assigned tasks. The checklist can function as a status tracking document and, finally, the deliverable for LEED Online.

The Core Performance Guide requires an integrated design contributed by the architect, mechanical and electrical engineers, and lighting designer. The project manager must take responsibility for shepherding and documenting the collaborative process to demonstrate compliance. 

Create a checklist of requirements and assign a responsible party to each item.