LEED, NAHB, Raters, & Providers... which way do we go?

Another month almost behind us, and I am left wondering where it all goes. The past month has been beneficial, as I have taken the initiative to meet with and interview possible working relationships with a USGBC LEED Provider and Energy Star Rater… both professions that will be required as part of the project if we are to seek LEED for Home certification.

As I mentioned there is yet to be a nominated LEED Provider for my state, Montana, so I spent some time with Kristin Shewfelt of AEC in Boulder, Colorado this past week (www.archenergy.com). As the state’s nominated LEED Provider, Kristin shed some light on the subject of a possible working relationship. To recap, if we are to pursue a LEED H certification, we will have to work with a designated LEED Provider. As a LEED Provider, AEC offers four phases of services towards the LEED Certification;
* Energy Modeling, Review, and Analysis
* Field Testing and Performance Rating of Operating Systems
* Documentation, Calculations, Verification c/o Energy Rater
* Wrapping up all services performed c/o contractor, subs, energy rater, etc., with full submittal of same to USGBC for review / sign-off.

It is important to note that out of these four phases of service, AEC and any other LEED Provider is only obligated to offer phase #4 to move on LEED Certification. The first three phases mentioned above are simply other expertise services AEC puts forth to fine tune the green build project for the owner. It is understood that other companies (LEED AP’s, Design Consultant, Energy Modeling Firms, Engineering Firms, Architects, etc.) could play the role of offering such services short of the LEED submittal phase. For the time being, I have been instructed to supply Kristin with up to the minute design plans / specs for the build, idea of HVAC operating system, along with material ideas as they pertain to building structure, insulation, window selections, etc., so AEC can draw up an initial proposal for services to be rendered. Working with our architect this next week, I intend to do just that.

In a typical case of projects out of the area, AEC would subcontract out the role of the Energy Rater. These services would fall in line with phases #2 & #3. I had the opportunity to meet with Russ Hellem of Energytech (www.energytech.com) this past week in Montana. Russ heads up an Energy Rater firm situated in Missoula, MT and is recognized as a certified Energy Star Rater. We spent the time discussing his services, and how he could offer Energy Modeling Analysis of particular operating systems, prescribe certain energy packages to reduce cooling / heating loads per the designs, and work alongside the owner as a Commissioning Agent to see that decided upon operating systems (HVAC) were sized, calibrated, and operating per specs / ratings determined within the design scope of the project. On a personal note, I could immediately see the passion Russ brought to the table for green / sustainable design. Even though our home will be large in the context of space allocation under Green Design, he made a point of asserting that whatever the size, he would work diligently to insure the highest level of energy efficiency throughout. He also brought much attention to the National Association of Home Builders Green Program (www.nahb.org). This program is in line with the LEED program, but goes a step further to take into account local / regional conditions when considering various design aspects of building. As a result, I am now spending the next week to digest both options and decide which rating system we will target for our Dream Home build.

In the next week, we will be meeting with Don Briggs to finalize design plans so to have a working set of drawings once we enter the Charette process; we will also discuss, finalize, and invite individual members to join the project team; decide on the green rating system we wish to pursue; and solidify a date of commencing the Charette process.

Stay tuned, for the ball is rolling faster and faster each day!

All the best, and an Abundant Tomorrow to you all.

Tim

2008... Full Steam Ahead

As we enter the New Year, Sarah and I are working closely with Don Briggs, Briggs Architecture & Design, to mold our program for the dream home build, to take place this summer, so as to have a concrete starting place once we enter into the much anticipated Charrette process. Over the course of the last four weeks, we have reviewed, debated, altered, and refined how the envisioned floor plan will play out, how best to use the space allocated for each of the rooms we desire, and ultimately how such a layout works with the concepts of passive solar design; high efficiency building envelope; alternative operating systems; renewable / non-toxic materials; etc. The process has not been easy, as we are finding that there is much give and take as to what you want in a dream home, what you need in a home, how all such development impacts the land around you, and ultimately how the final design can work into the overall concept of green / sustainable architecture and design.

The following image is just a glimpse of the latest rendition of the residential plan. You are looking at an overhead view of the anticipated footprint of the home. It indicates the orientation of the home for maximum passive solar gain, while also taking into account the mountain views to the southwest. Furthermore, you get a clear picture about the sun path from January through December, and how to best plan for glazing requirements in accordance with the anticipated solar heat gain throughout the year. It is important to note that this image is only part of the latest rendition to date, knowing full well that aspects of the design will morph as we continue to fine tune the design with Don Briggs and culminating at the close of the Charette process.

The month of December was also productive as it pertained to my own personal growth in the green building industry. I completed a four month course, Green Building Certification, at Colorado State University which culminated with taking and successfully passing the USGBC’s nationally recognized Professional LEED Accreditation exam. Now as a LEED AP it is my goal to have an active role in the design of the home, development of potential HVAC and other operating systems, as well as implementation of green aspects both inside and outside the residence. As a result, I am working presently to register the home under the auspice of the USGBC’s LEED for Home rating. This procedure, as I am learning, is more involved than your typical LEED NC project. In the instance of LEED H, you have to work through a USGBC nominated LEED Provider, which in our case has yet to be designated in the state of Montana. The course of action will eventually see me have to utilize the professional services of a nominated Energy Rater and LEED Verifier as well. I am currently communicating with CSU LEED professors, LEED Providers from nearby states, and in-state LEED AP’s on the course of action recommended to move the project forward while still insuring that I, as a LEED AP, can have an active and recognized part in my project beyond paying the bills.

In the remaining month of January, it is our plan to finalize a design rendition to move forward with in the Charrette process scheduled for first part February, verify the project is registered under the LEED rating system, and continue to research the latest green industry technologies to implement on the upcoming project. Stay tuned as I continue to bring you updates from our project as they happen, as well as any learned information on the procedures directly pertaining to the LEED for Homes rating system.

Wishing you a Happy New Year and an Abundant Tomorrow for all!

Tim Southwell, LEED AP