LEED Renovations: 5 Considerations

We’ve all heard that the greenest building is one that already exists. If you’re planning to renovate and pursue LEED certification, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Perhaps state or local financial incentives are driving the need to pursue LEED certification, or you’re committed to improving an existing building—making it a healthy, highly efficient, and cost saving facility. Whatever your reason, here are five things that merit special consideration when pursuing LEED certification for your existing building renovation project.

1. LEED Rating System

Do you need an addition to get some much-needed space? Maybe the building shell is in great shape, and only the interior needs some work. BD+C? ID+C? O+M? Version 4 or 4.1? Your project scope will help determine whether Building Design and Construction (BD+C), Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) or Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M) is applicable. But there is some overlap among the systems. And then which version of those systems? We can decode the LEED rating systems and versions to get your renovation project on the best track to successful certification.

2. Location. Location. Location.

In the search for an existing building site, it’s well worth considering diverse neighborhoods with access to goods and services, public transportation, bike lanes and networks. Depending upon the LEED rating system, location and transportation credits account for a maximum of 15 to 18 points of 110 total points available. Urban locations have distinct advantages.

3. Codes, Codes, Codes

Building codes, energy codes, accessibility codes (Americans with Disabilities Act) and municipal codes to name a few. Yes, they are necessary and important. No, they are not equally enforced or applied, sometimes within the same jurisdiction. Some municipalities have codes in place that meet or exceed the requirements of specific LEED credits. Others do not go far enough. Your design team or jurisdiction having authority will tell you which codes and which version of those codes are applicable to your renovation project. We will let you know if meeting code will also fulfill the requirements of LEED credits that are being pursued.

4. Old Versus New

Your renovation budget may be predicated on making the most of existing building systems and amenities. New windows, HVAC systems, lighting and plumbing fixtures can be expensive. If the existing items are still serviceable, they’re worth keeping, right? Possibly yes, possibly no. New, more efficient lighting and plumbing fixtures can pay for themselves with reduced water use and energy savings in a relatively short period of time. But replacing windows and new HVAC systems can get expensive quickly, and a mix of new and old systems can present special challenges to several LEED credits. The more complicated the mix of old and new elements, the more complex the calculations to establish energy reduction. Engaging well-qualified mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineers or consultants early in the process to assess the state of existing building systems is essential to determining the best course of action.

5. Do Reuse When Possible

If the building systems can’t be saved, perhaps there are walls and floors that can be. There are environmental benefits and LEED points to be earned for maintaining the existing structural envelope, walls, floors, and roofs, as well as interior non-structural elements including furniture. Reducing the amount of new material utilized is not only good for the planet, but for your budget too. Renovation projects are uniquely positioned to take advantage of this opportunity.