LEED PROJECTS

Looking to undertake a construction project? Our team has the expertise to bring your vision to life. From planning and design to execution, we ensure top-quality workmanship and attention to detail. Trust us for your construction needs and experience a seamless, professional, and reliable service from start to finish.

How does the LEED construction process work?

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a globally recognized certification system that ensures buildings are designed and constructed using strategies aimed at improving performance across key areas of environmental and human health. Here’s a detailed outline of our LEED construction project process:

1. Project Initiation and Planning

Understanding Owner’s Vision:

  • Meet with the owner to discuss the vision, goals, and specific sustainability requirements for the project.
  • Determine the desired LEED certification level (Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum).

Site Selection and Assessment:

  • Assist in selecting a suitable location with consideration for sustainability factors such as access to public transportation, existing infrastructure, and environmental impact.
  • Conduct a thorough site assessment to evaluate existing conditions and potential sustainability opportunities.

Feasibility Study:

  • Perform a feasibility study to ensure the project is viable within the budget and timeline.
  • Identify zoning, permitting, environmental, and LEED-specific regulatory requirements.

2. Pre-Design and Design Phase

LEED Project Registration:

  • Register the project with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to begin the LEED certification process.

LEED Charrette:

  • Conduct a LEED charrette (workshop) with key stakeholders, including the owner, architects, engineers, and consultants, to brainstorm and integrate sustainable design strategies.

Conceptual Design:

  • Develop initial design concepts that reflect the owner’s vision and LEED requirements.
  • Create sketches and layout plans to visualize the overall design and sustainability features.

Sustainability Planning:

  • Identify and incorporate LEED credits into the design, focusing on areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, and site sustainability.
  • Develop a LEED scorecard to track potential points and certification level.

Detailed Design:

  • Develop detailed architectural and engineering drawings, including site plans, floor plans, elevations, and sections.
  • Specify sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, water-saving fixtures, and other green building technologies.

Energy Modeling and Analysis:

  • Perform energy modeling to optimize building performance and ensure compliance with LEED energy prerequisites and credits.
  • Analyze daylighting, natural ventilation, and other environmental factors to enhance indoor environmental quality.

3. Cost Estimation and Budgeting

Preliminary Budget:

  • Provide an initial cost estimate based on the conceptual design and selected sustainability features.
  • Ensure the project scope aligns with the owner’s budget, making adjustments as necessary.

Final Budget:

  • Develop a detailed budget once the design is finalized, including construction costs, permits, LEED documentation, and contingencies.

4. Permitting and Approvals

Obtain Permits:

  • Prepare and submit all necessary permit applications to local authorities, incorporating LEED-specific requirements.
  • Address any feedback or required changes to obtain approvals.

5. Construction Phase

Site Preparation:

  • Mobilize construction teams and set up the site, ensuring all safety and regulatory requirements are met.
  • Implement erosion and sediment control measures to minimize environmental impact.

Green Construction Practices:

  • Follow sustainable construction practices, including waste management, recycling, and pollution prevention.
  • Use sustainable materials and products as specified in the design.
  • Ensure proper installation of energy-efficient systems, water-saving fixtures, and green building technologies.

Construction Documentation:

  • Maintain thorough documentation of all LEED-related construction activities, materials, and products.
  • Perform regular site inspections to ensure compliance with LEED requirements and project specifications.

6. Commissioning and Verification

Building Commissioning:

  • Perform comprehensive commissioning of building systems to ensure they operate as intended.
  • Verify energy performance, water usage, and indoor environmental quality.

LEED Documentation:

  • Compile all necessary documentation for LEED credits and prerequisites, including product data, performance reports, and photos.
  • Submit documentation to the USGBC for review and certification.

7. Final Inspections and Handover

Quality Control:

  • Conduct thorough inspections to ensure all work is completed to the highest standards and meets design specifications.
  • Address any punch list items identified during inspections.

Owner Training and Documentation:

  • Provide the owner with all necessary documentation, including as-built drawings, warranties, operation manuals, and LEED certification documentation.
  • Offer training sessions to ensure the owner and staff understand how to operate and maintain the new green building systems.

Handover:

  • Formally hand over the completed project to the owner, ensuring they are fully satisfied with the outcome.
  • Obtain final sign-off from the owner, marking the successful completion of the project.

8. Post-Construction Support

Follow-Up:

  • Schedule follow-up meetings to address any post-construction issues or concerns.
  • Provide ongoing support and maintenance services as needed.

Continuous Improvement:

  • Gather feedback from the owner and project team to identify areas for improvement in future projects.
  • Implement lessons learned to enhance our LEED construction process continually.

This comprehensive approach ensures that we deliver high-quality, sustainable buildings that meet the owner’s vision and achieve the desired LEED certification, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable built environment.