services / LEED services
LEED WORKSHOPS AND CHARETTES
edi staff has extensive experience conducting workshops and charettes on the LEED Rating System and sound green building practices. The educational phase of a project empowers all key team members with the resources necessary to make value-based decisions on the design and construction of the most energy-efficient, healthy, and cost-effective building possible. During a typical workshop, we present green building strategies, identify team leaders, and define scopes of work. We assess impacts upon budget, design, construction process and schedule. The group selects strategies best suited for the project, assign the appropriate professional and set up a framework that reports progress and measures success.
LEED INTENT ASSESSMENT
This strategic assessment meeting among project team members assesses the existing level of understanding concerning green building strategies and the LEED process. Relevant LEED rating systems are reviewed to determine the most appropriate system for the project. We discuss the impact of LEED related items on the schedule, budget, design, and construction of the project. Together, we determine the best strategy to move the project towards successful LEED certification.
LEED CREDIT STRATEGY
Once LEED is established as a project requirement, edi works with the project team to target the prerequisites and credits that are relevant to the project. Together, we select design strategies that are best suited for the local region and that contribute towards achieving the desired LEED certification level. These strategies are then associated with the particular phase during which they must be considered and assigned to the team member responsible for tracking and completion. We discuss appropriate evaluation tools based on proven formulae for measuring value. The project team assigns action items, identifies barriers to achieving successful results, and establishes a means to verify success.
LEED PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Attaining a LEED Certification demands a highly integrated design approach. edi works closely with each project team member to ensure that the best design solutions are explored, resulting in projects that are capable of attaining the desired level of LEED Certification. edi offers a hands-on approach, regularly attending coordination meetings, reviewing submittals, and coordinating LEED design strategies. Our LEED Accredited Professionals are well-versed in the online documentation system and provide effective project management strategies that lead towards successful LEED application submittals.
LEED CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
edi offers LEED consulting services during construction for contractor credits. This includes review and implementation of the construction waste management plan, indoor air quality management plan, documentation of material credits and general guidance to confirm LEED compliance during the construction phase. Responsibilities include coordinating anticipated submittals and required documentation, conducting site observations to document LEED compliance, contacting subcontractors & product suppliers, as necessary, to obtain information, coordination of online documentation submittals and attendance at construction meetings to resolve LEED related issues.
LEED APPLICATION SUBMITTAL
edi has the knowledge and resources available to assemble successful LEED applications. We are well-versed in all LEED rating systems and have the management skills necessary to gather information from a number of sources to demonstrate achievement of LEED points. We have also developed an effective system that efficiently documents critical information. Our solid reputation with the US Green Building Council allows us to communicate effectively to resolve complex issues.
LEED VALUE ENGINEERING
edi’s LEED Value Engineering Services include review of design documents for LEED compliance, participation in value engineering workshops and preparation of recommendations to maintain the desired LEED status throughout the value engineering process. edi’s LEED™ Accredited Professionals have a background in architecture and construction management services and offer expertise in how to integrate LEED into projects with minimal impact on budget and programmatic issues. edi’s LEED Accredited Professionals are amenable, offer a comprehensive approach, are well educated in the intricacies of all LEED Rating Systems, and provide creative solutions to accomplishing LEED project goals.
ENERGY MODELING
Energy performance is a valuable tool for integrating and optimizing building components. edi’s ‘e-modeling’ services include fenestration analysis, wall and roof assembly optimization, orientation studies, process & plug loads and lighting and mechanical equipment iterations. Whether the modeling activity is used as a design tool, for LEED compliance or to establish energy performance for a mandate or incentive program, modelers work closely with design team members to perform iterations and calculations in a methodical, useful and reliable manner. As an additional service, edi’s staff will use the proposed model outputs to enter submittal information into the LEED EA Credit 1 template.
SUSTAINABLE TAX CREDIT COMPLIANCE
The New Mexico Sustainable Building Tax Credit offers tax relief opportunities for commercial and residential buildings that achieve specific green criteria. Edi staff members perform an assessment of potential tax benefits and compliance requirements for individual projects and assist clients in establishing cost/benefit scenarios for the tax credit. We then model the building in simulation software and, in collaboration with design team members, make modifications to elements of the building envelope, lighting plan, and mechanical systems to optimize energy performance and meet the established energy target. edi is also available to enter the model output data onto the LEED EA Credit 1template, which will be used both for LEED Certification and as part of the submission report to the Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Dept.
GREEN BUILDING EXECUTIVE ORDER COMPLIANCE
For NM State projects, edi staff members will determine how the Governor’s Executive Order impacts a project and what the compliance requirements are. Using the EPA Energy Target Finder, the CBECS Survey data, and other historical data, we determine the baseline (energy target) for the project. The proposed building is then modeled in simulation software and, in collaboration with design team members, modifications are made to elements of the building envelope, lighting plan, and mechanical systems to optimize energy performance and meet the established energy target. Finally, edi will prepare & submit a report to the General Services Dept to ensure compliance with requirements for the 50% energy reduction requirement of the Executive Order.
