Pre-Design

Analyze life-cycle cost tradeoffs between natural and mechanical ventilation systems. 

Consider the potential cost implications of natural ventilation. This may reduce or eliminate the need for fans and mechanical systems, but will require operable windows and a floor plan—probably a relatively open one—that is conducive to passive ventilation. 

The cost of fundamental commissioning services may vary from $0.35/ft² to $0.75/ft² depending on project type, variety of uses, complexity of systems and location of the project to name a few parameters.

Evaluate each space in the building separately in order to determine air requirements. Metabolic rate of the space activities and the occupant

Commissioning generates an average savings of 28 percent of predicted annual energy use, according to the 2004 study, “The Cost-Effectiveness of Commissioning New and Existing Commercial Buildings: Lessons from 224 Buildings.” (See Resources.)

Naturally ventilated buildings may find this credit relatively difficult to achieve. If considered early in design, it’s possible to achieve the credit, but may take a concerted effort to increase the amount of outdoor air intake using larger and more numerous operable windows, and more sophisticated designs such as wind chimneys.

commissioning a new facility, the

Evaluate and select ventilation strategies—natural, mechanical, or mixed-mode—during the pre-design phase

Owners' Project Requirements (OPR) are developed and signed off on by the owner with assistance from the

Consider setting water-reduction goals higher than the 20% reduction required by this prerequisite. Many projects are able to achieve 30%–40% savings with little or no impact on cost. First-time costs for water savings above 20% can be minimal since project teams will already be integrating water-saving techniques for this prerequisite.