#leed analysis

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Different Ways of Getting LEED Certifications for Prevailing Buildings

LEED certifications are a great way of associating pride with a building. But does it come very easily? The answer is no. There are certain ground rules that architects need to follow to make their existing buildings into LEED certified building.  Here LEED green associate also plays a major role. The major importance is laid on the environmental factors that can be benefited without much investment and getting the latest technologies in use. But what makes a building candidate for LEED certifications? This article concentrates on answering this question and much more. Let us now look at the different ways:

Do the homework before taking any action:There are times when architects take things for granted and do things very quickly. This makes things very messy and ultimately does not yield profitable for LEED certifications. The very first thing is to plan every step very minutely so that nothing goes wrong. The most important thing is to analyze every minute detail and consider all the points that LEED provides for a green building. Try to maximize the points by providing energy efficient buildings that are best for environment. Here the minimum requirements of ventilation and energy efficiency should be pre-decided so that there are no delays later. This will make your LEED points even higher. The next step is to have a long term plan for the LEED certification so that you meet the benchmark set earlier before the changes are made. The other important thing is that the changes that you prescribe will happen as the building is refurnished. Hence; there will not be much of a time to get the certification. Hence; it is very important to plan it and then go further.

Start preparing for the LEED exams: The next step is to consider the certification level that you want to target. Here again planning can play a very role. As once you plan for the steps it becomes easier at a later stage from wasting time redoing tasks later. LEED AP examinations also play a very important role.It is also very important to consider the initial investment that will be required during the pre-performance and performance period.  Please note that you will be required to make 10% to 15% of your time on certification. There is no alternative to this. Furthermore, if the square foot area is bigger the investment will be bigger and vice versa. Hence; it is always important to have funds in your hands.

When going for LEED certifications always look at the big picture and ask yourself if you can earn the credit for a certain section? Always try to consider the bonus points and see where you can fit these in the overall building to earn those extra points. This way you will get good LEED certification level for your prevailing buildings.

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Guidelines for Cracking the LEED Test

The LEED test is the ultimate litmus test that needs to be cracked with full confidence. Take some time out for yourself when studying for the LEED test. Always take short breaks of ten to fifteen minutes in couple of hours; so that you can clear your mind. It will always keep your energy and thoughts sharp. While taking the LEED test,if you go blank, stay calm and do not take stress. Skip that question and go to the next one and answer them. Then go to the questions that you are unsure of and try to relax yourself. If you think you have read the questions and have forgotten the answer take deep breath and then try to recollect the answer. Skimming the question and then coming back again will give you enough time to recollect the answer; and it will also save your time. Always take good night sleep day before the examination; so that your mind and body are relaxed and you are mentally prepared for the exams. This will give you relaxation; and will intellectually charge you up for the exam. Once you are finished with the test always double check to see whether you have given right answers to each of the questions. Do not underestimate the need for double checking as there are chances of some mistakes coming up while revising the answers. The next point to reconsider is whether there is a need for a tutor for cracking the LEED test. This is an individual choice which depends on whether you are prepared well for the exams or need some help from someone who can lend a helping hand to you for scoring well in the test. Selecting a tutor is a good choice even for those who feel that they are well prepared for the test; as it can keep them on the toes and help them get prepared for the test very well. There are also chances that you will be required to remember lot of stuff for the test. There are lots of ways to remember key information. One of them is jotting down the important points on a paper. This will help you in remembering the things while writing them down. Also try to associate images with words or phrases so that you can remember key points without penning down the entire stuff.

It is also advisable to prepare for the test a night before the LEED certification exam. This way you can prepare well for the exam and remember important things during the test. It will also help you to stress on the points in which you are not very good so that you can recall them during the test. The best thing to do is take adequate amount of rest before the test; so that you are fresh. This will help you stay attentive and aware while taking the test.                    

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Cost Assessment of becoming a LEED Certified Building

There has been a lot of speculation about the costs to be incurred for becoming a LEED certified building. There are times when companies try to negate the prospect of opting for a LEED certified building. But as days have rolled on; it has become quite clear that the costs of creating a LEED certified building is far less than anticipated earlier. It has been depicted by various studies conducted on LEED certified building that the LEED premium is far less than what was initially thought of.

But before we look at the cost assessment factor in detail; it is important to distinguish between construction budget including hard costs and soft costs. Hard costs include construction costs, furniture, fixtures, equipment costs, purchase of property etc. and total budget costs which includes both hard and soft costs such as professional fees, construction financing, etc. Generally soft costs are associated with the administrative costs of the LEED certification process.

Usually soft costs of a LEED certified building may vary according to type of the project. It includes administrative costs and documentation costs of LEED certified building. According to USGBC estimates; the fees is from $ 20,000 to $ 60,000 subject to the project size, complexity, and project team experience.

Now energy modeling is suggested whenever a project has specific energy efficiency goals. The cost of these energy efficiency services range from $ 15,000 for smaller projects to more than $ 50,000 for larger, more complex projects. Please note that these fees are associated with not only the project size but also on the complexity of the building design and mechanical system.              

On top of these soft costs, there are other fees to be paid including LEED registration and certification fees directly to USGBC. The project registration fee is $ 450 for USGBC members; while for others it is $ 600 and the certification fees range from $ 1,750 to $ 17,500 for USGBC members; while for others it is $ 2,250 to $ 22,500.

So if you look at LEED certification costs conservatively; then there is an approximate cost of 2 % for construction costs and $ 150,000 soft costs for certification through Gold level certification on most projects.

Posted by Bhushan Avsatthi – LEED Consultant & Energy Modeling Expert at Green Modeling.