For mixed-use projects, one service located within the project boundary may be counted towards the credit calculation, and that service must be accessible to the general public. For example, if your project is an office complex with a coffee shop and dry cleaners—and they are accessible to the general public—one of these two can count as one of the ten required basic services.
Locating within an existing urban fabric adds significant benefits for users, including lower transportation costs and healthier lifestyle. Employers may find that this helps attract and retain personnel.
If moving into an existing building, it may contain asbestos or other contaminants that need to be remediated. Investigate and address any contamination and remediation issues early in the planning process. Doing so can contribute to earning SSc1, Option 2, Path 1.
This is usually a low-cost credit. However, the MERV 13 filtration requirement can increase operational costs for added energy use and more frequent filter changes.
Identify what areas and systems will be in the CS scope, and also the tenant fit-out scope or space. You have to meet the credit requirements for everything in the CS scope, and for tenant fit-out areas, require that those spaces meet relevant requirements.
You have to provide containment drains in chemical mixing and storage areas. Review this requirement with the plumbing engineer. Explore its implications and confirm compliance with LEED as well as local laws and building codes.
If you can use radiant heating and cooling for space conditioning and separate that function from ventilation, you’ll be moving a lot less air and meeting the MERV 13 requirement won’t be nearly as big a deal, due to fewer and smaller ducts and filters.
