LEED IS CHANGING – HOW CAN YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TRANSITION?

May 14, 2010

You may have been considering “going green” with your next facility construction project by seeking a LEED certification, but are waiting for improved economic conditions. Further delay may have new consequences, as the decision to pursue LEED certification has now become time sensitive. LEED Version 3 (V3) if now effective and the current Version 2.2 (V2.2) will begin to be phased out. As with any rule or code change, it is prudent to determine the cost and other ramifications between choosing the current or the new version.

LEED Process Overview

The LEED certification process has basically five (5) steps:

Step One: Register the building.

Step Two: Develop a design that achieves the LEED prerequisites and number of LEED points for the desired certification category (basic, silver, gold, platinum).

Step Three: Submit the documentation to the designated reviewer to confirm the LEED points to be awarded.

Step Four: Undertake the new construction and renovation.

Step Five: Submit final paperwork, receive certification.

Registering the building can be done quickly on line. The cost is now $4,500 for members of the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

Once the project is registered, the applicant has at least 4 years to submit the project through the USGBC for third party review. Those who elect LEED V2.2 have until April 2017 to complete the process.

The New Registration Rules

1. Until April 27, projects can only be registered under LEED V2.2.

2. After April 27, projects registered under LEED V2.2 can be transferred to LEED V3 at no charge until October 26. Afterwards, a new fee will be required to do the transfer.

3. From April 27 to June 26, new projects can be registered under LEED V2.2 or V3.

4. After June 26, new projects can only be registered under LEED V3.

LEED V2.2 vs. LEED V3

Whether a project is more viable under LEED V2.2 or LEED V3 needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, there are some ready technical points of comparison:

  • The required number of LEED points has increased for each certification category, from a total range of 26 to 69 points to a range of 40 to 110 points.
  • The total number of LEED point opportunities has also increased, from 74 to 104, not including innovation points. This does include a new category on V3 for regional bonus credits.
  • The indoor environmental air quality standards now reference the more stringent ASHRAE 90.1-2007.
  • 20% water reduction is now a prerequisite.

Like many new versions (e.g., Microsoft Vista operating software), there are welcome performance upgrades, unintended consequences and system bugs. Some other process advantages and disadvantages to consider:

Current LEED V2.2

Advantages

General familiarity with the process and requirements by design professionals and the third party reviewers.

Disadvantages

Does not represent the most current thinking on the best ways of going green.

New LEED V3

Advantages

Multitude of internet resources available to designers.

Overall greater benefits and financial returns.

Many requirements have been clarified or given alternative approaches     to be achieved.

Disadvantages

Cost of learning curve in fees of the LEED design professional.

Time period increases for design and review due to the learning curve.

Making the Decision

We recommend the following actions:

A. If your project is not already registered for LEED, register it by June 26 under LEED V2.2.

B. Have an analysis performed of whether LEED V2.2 or LEED V3 better meets your corporate goals for the project.

C. If LEED V2.2 is best, plan to complete the project by April 2017. If you later discover LEED V3 makes more sense, you can re-register the project as LEED V3 at any time for an additional fee.

D. If LEED V3 is best, switch your registration to LEED V3 by June 26 (October 26 is you registered before April 27) and plan to submit the project within four (4) years of the registration date.

FP+A can undertake an initial feasibility study at no risk. We can also handle the on line registration (Action A), the more formal comparison and analysis (Action B), and the ultimate LEED design and submissions.

An Additional Incentives

Until November 30, 2009 PP&L will reimburse organizations within their service area up to $5,000 for registration fees, construction review and initial certification review fees. Projects which achieve Gold or Platinum status can receive an additional $5,000 upon receipt of the status. See www.ppleconomicdevelopment.com for further details.

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