jason m. phillips · slippery rock university, butler, pa jason phillips construction management 6...

S L I P P E R Y R O C K U N I V E R S I T Y , S L I P P E R Y R O C K , P A

The Science & Technology Building

www.arche.psu.edu/thesis/2005/jmp382

Jason M. Phillips Construction Management

Senior Thesis 2005

S L I P P E R Y R O C K U N I V E R S I T Y , S L I P P E R Y R O C K , P A

The Science & Technology Building

Project Team • Owner: Slippery Rock University • Management: Department of General Services • Architect: IKM Incorporated • Consultants: GWSM. Division of Pennoni Ass. H.F. Lenz Company • General Contractor: Reginella Construction

Building Description • Replacement of The Vincent Science Building • 3 Story Lab, Classroom, Lecture Hall, and Office

Building • Located at the Entrance of The University at the

South most point of the West Quad • Brick and Glass Curtain Wall System

General Project Information • Total Cost: $12.3 Million • Size: 76,000 Sq. Ft. • Dates of Construction: June 15, 2004—

November 15, 2005 • Project Delivery: Design—Bid—Build

Structural System • Foundation: Caissons and Grade Beams • Frame: Steel Superstructure • Interior: Non-load bearing CMU’s and alum. stud

Electrical System • 480/277, 3ø, 4 wire 120/280, 3ø, 4 wire • 12,470 V; 480Y/277V step down transformer • Main distribution switchboard 3ø-4wire-

277/480V • Emergency Gen. 208Y/120V 3ø-4 wire from

35kw natural gas. • 100A life safety automatic transfer switch

Mechanical System • 2 -150 ton chillers • Steam from central campus underground sys. Fire Protection System • Wet fire suppression system throughout bldg.

www.arche.psu.edu/thesis/2005/jmp382

Jason Phillips Construction Management Senior Thesis 2004—2005 The Pennsylvania State University

The Science and Technology Building Slippery Rock University, Butler, Pa

Jason Phillips Construction Management 1

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2

EXISTING CONDITIONS 5

CONSTRUCTION FEATURES 10

ANALYSIS 1 – GREEN DESIGN / LEED CERTIFICATION 17

SATISFIED REQUIREMENTS 17 PROPOSED CREDITS 23 LEED CREDIT REVIEW 41

ANALYSIS 2 – ALTERNATE STRUCTURE ANALYSIS 66

ANALYSIS 3 – SCHEDULE REDUCTION 71

REFERENCES 77

APPENDIX A – SCHEDULE 78

APPENDIX B – SITE LAYOUT 83



Executive Summary

Today, buildings account for more than 1/3 of all energy, water and material

consumption. Buildings also produce a similar amount of waste and pollution. The

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies indoor air qualities of buildings as one of

the top environmental risks today in the United States. In an attempt to minimize those

risks and energy consumption use from buildings the U.S. Green Building Council has

created the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Rating System.

This rating system aims to improve occupant well-being, environmental performance and

economic returns of building using established and innovative practices, standards and

technologies. The rating system is broken down into 6 divisions: sustainable sites, water

efficiency, energy & atmosphere, materials & resources, indoor environmental quality, and

innovation & design process. Each division is then broken into parts that are assigned a

maximum number of credits. The credits of each section are totaled for the project’s LEED

rating. This number corresponds to a certification level, listed below.

Certified: 26 – 32 Points

Silver: 33 – 38 Points

Gold: 39 – 51 Points

Platinum: 52 – 69 Points

The focus of this analysis will be to determine the credits satisfied from the present

design and to discover what can be implemented in order to obtain the base certification.

The LEED certification was not even considered by the University or Architect. This is

mainly due to cost variables. The emphasis will be placed in obtaining this certification at

the lowest cost possible. In addition to the base certification requirements, research will be

done on how possible savings can arise from incorporating these design methods.

With the prices of steel today skyrocketing, there has become an increased emphasis

in concrete design wherever possible. In an effort to reduce cost and explore the benefits of



steel and concrete design, I will develop an alternative cast in place concrete structure to fit

the needs of the Science and Technology building. In this analysis I will look at cost,

schedule and constructability. Generally, Steel and Concrete are related inversely with

regards to labor and material. In concrete construction, typically the cost of materials is very

low but the labor is very intense so the price is high. On the other hand, steel material prices

are typically very high but the labor cost of erecting is very low. So the cost usually evens

out unless steel is available locally in which the price is low, or on the other hand, unskilled

labor is available locally in which concrete price is low.

The existing design schedule for the Slippery Rock Science and Technology Building

calls for a 517 calendar day schedule. That consists of a 371 workday schedule that starts at

the notice to proceed date, June 16, 2004 and ends on January 4, 2006. This project will be

done just in time for the spring semester in the 2005-2006 school year. When the original

schedule was discussed with the owner, they expressed that this project is long overdue. The

pursuit of this project began in 1998 and the hope was to have the building by the Fall

semester of 2002. Because of funding delays the projects design did not start until February

of 2001. The University has long been awaiting this building and expressed an immediate

need for students and faculty.

The purpose of this analysis is to achieve the building occupancy by the fall semester

of 2005. By accelerating the schedule and occupying the building an entire semester early,

many people are pleased. First and most important the University has access to another

facility. This facility allows for the much needed office space. This facility provides

additional curriculums, which leads to student satisfaction. An additional semester for a

student can increase their education significantly. This type of laboratory facility provides a

much more hands on type of learning atmosphere. A type of learning atmosphere that is not

easily possible in the existing Vincent Science Building. This existing building is very

outdated and does not provide students with the type of technology needed in this

technology demanding world of education. Another aspect of the early construction date is

University advertisement. With a brand new high technology facility, far more students are

attracted to this University, increasing student enrollment. At the end of this analysis, it will



be apparent that the cost is significantly increased, however with these types of benefits; this

additional cost is well worth it.



Existing Conditions

Executive Summary

The following document contains information pertaining to the existing conditions of the

site of the new Science and Technology Building at Slippery Rock University. There has

been interesting bits of information learned from preparing this report. One of the most

intriguing bits is simply adjusting to the DGS way of running a project. With previous

experience to design – bid – build projects this projects seems to be completely different.

DGS has a certain way to do everything that needs to be performed. It’s different from the

fixed rate of pay for the architect to the exact number of contractors winning bids to the

owner/cm relationship. This project is sure to keep curiosity high.

Delivery System

The Science & Technology Building is a standard DGS run design – bid – build project.

The Department of General Services handles most all of state funded university projects.

This project is funded by DGS. The delivery system is quite interesting if one has never

been exposed to a DGS project. DGS starts by accepting bid applications from architects.

These bid applications do not have a monetary figure; rather they are company

applications for review. In these applications relative projects are mentioned as well as

type of project “resume.” The applicants are discussed by DGS and the owner until an

architect is chosen. There is no monetary figure enclosed because DGS pays a fixed rate

of 4%. After the design is complete, the project delivery returns to normal with a bid

session. For all DGS projects there are 4 and only 4 prime contracts: General,

Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing. Bids are submitted as lump sum and the low bid

wins, unless restricted by DGS.



Organizational Chart

Landscape Consultant GWSM, Division of Pennoni Associates

DGS (CM) / Owner

Alice Miller (PM) / Herb Carlson (OWN. Rep.)

General Contr. Reginella

Construction Co.

Jeff Hofsteller (PM)

Mech. Contr. Weider services

Electrical Contr. Bob Biter Co.

Plumbing Contr. Newman Plumbing

Rick Grooms (PM)

Architect IKM Incorporated

Joe Obritz (PM)

Engineer Consultant H.F. Lenz Company



Project Cost Evaluation

Actual Building Cost

The total construction cost for this project is $11,823,842.

The total construction cost per square foot for this project is $156/sq.ft.

By omitting the cost for land, site work, bidding and permitting the total cost for

construction is $10,778,558.

The total construction cost per square foot omitting these items is $141.82/sq.ft.

Total Project Cost

The total project cost including design is $12,296,796.

The total project cost per square foot for this project is $162/sq.ft.

Building System Costs

The total cost for the electrical systems for this project is $1,385,000.

The total cost for the mechanical systems for this project is $2,517,842

Design Cost

For all DGS run projects there is a standard 4% fee for the design. For this particular

project the design cost incurred was $472,954. This does not include any costs from DGS

for their part in the design.



Local Conditions Slippery Rock University exists in an area surrounded by lakes and streams. The soil in this

area is just what one would expect from an area plagued with water. As for this building and

any other building constructed in this area, special design techniques are necessary to ensure

for a proper foundation system.

Slippery Rock as a town is a very small community. This will be the only construction

project going on in the area. However, even though there is a lack of construction in the

area, there are nearby towns with construction taking place. Thus there will be ample

manpower in the area to supply the site.

Client Information In the fall of 1994, Slippery Rock

University began researching the idea of

building a new Science and Technology

Building to replace the existing Vincent

Science Building. After a steady rise in

student enrollment over the past few

years there became an increasing demand for updated science and technology facilities. In

order to stay competitive amongst the areas universities, Slippery Rock were in need of an

updated facility. "This new building will enable Slippery Rock University to create an

environment that revolutionizes our curriculum and the way we teach to remain consistent

with the demands of new technology in the new economy," said G. Warren Smith, university

president.

Slippery Rock requested the funds from DGS to build a new facility that would hold

classrooms and labs for a variety of curriculums. In particular the university needed new

chemistry, biology, cytotechnology, medical technology, marine science, and pre-professional



health areas with the latest in high-tech classrooms. Also, the university needed an

auditorium that could fit 350 students and provide for specialized instruction. Finally in

addition the specialized classrooms and lecture hall, the university needed to provide for the

growing number of faculty and staff by including office space in this building.

Originally the university intended for the project to be constructed and ready for the 2003

fall semester. Because of approval durations from DGS, the university did not receive

authorization of funds until 2001. As of now the university expects construction to

complete on time and be ready for the fall semester of 2006.

Because this project is being constructed on campus in a major pedestrian traffic area, there

are many safety concerns that the university has. All of these issues were addressed early in

the design phase. The entire construction area will be fenced off and temporary route ways

will be made for students. Another concern by the university is security. In a town of

college students, security is always a concern, however extensive temporary lighting will be

installed for the purposes of monitoring these construction areas.



Construction Features

Contracts

DGS projects are extremely different from any other type of private construction or state

run project. Even though Slippery Rock University will own this building and will be

occupying this building in the end, during the construction phase of this building DGS owns

this building and has complete control over it. This is all due to funding provided by DGS.

As well as acting as owner throughout the construction, DGS has assumed the management

responsibility. DGS by contract is referred to as “The Department.”

Slippery Rock University will however be involved in the construction process but will have

very little control. The University organized a staff of owner representation to monitor all

construction. The 2 member team attends job conference meetings and meets with

management daily. This interaction between owner and “to be” owner is very touchy

because Slippery Rock has real contractual but is very much involved in the process. The

groups do however work with each other and the Department tries at all costs to maintain

good relations with the University. Slippery Rock University by contract is referred to as

“The Institution.”

Architect Selection

In the beginning Slippery Rock University applied for funding to replace the existing Vincent

Science Building. Seven years later their application was processed and the process began.

The Department initially works with the Institution to determine its exact needs in terms of

funding. After the price is set it is on to the 1st step, selecting the architect.

The Department begins this by posting the project for public viewing on the DGS website.

It is the responsibility of design organizations to view all work posted on this site and to



submit intent applications. In these intent applications, architect companies list past projects

and owner references as well as design awards and notable experiences.

The Department along side of the Institution reviews these applications and decides on a

design group. In this particular project, IKM Inc. had worked previously with Slippery Rock

and had established a great relationship. Because of this relationship, IKM Inc. was selected

as the design company and will be referred to as “The Professional.” IKM will be paid a

standard DGS design fee of 4%.

Contractor Selection

The selection of contractors for this project is by way of a standard Department of General

Services state work bidding process. Work is posted on the DGS website by the

Department as four separate contracts: General Construction including site work, elevator

and utilities, HVAC Construction, Plumbing and Fire Protection, and Electrical

Construction. All interested bidders must register through DGS. It is the responsibility of

the bidder to examine all aspects of the work, the drawings, the specifications and contracts.

All requests for clarification must be submitted no later than 10 days prior to the bid

opening date. Submission of the bids is a strict process. It is extremely important to follow

all directions noted for proper submission or else bids will be forfeited. Along with each

bid, bidders must submit information indicating all MBEs and WBEs that have been

solicited. Once bids are collected the winner is chosen by low bid. A bidder will not be

rejected for not meeting the minimum participation levels (MPLs) of MBE and WBE;

however, the bidder must provide evidence of credible attempts to meet the MPLs.

To protect against bids totaling more than the DGS funded amount, six alternative bids were

issued. Each alternative omitted a particular system in the building that could potentially be

added at a later date funded by the Institution. For this project all alternative bids were

accepted.



All bids are lump sum bids and were submitted as the following:

• General Construction - $7,256,000

• HVAC Construction - $2,517,842

• Electrical Construction - $1,385,000

• Plumbing Construction - $665,000

Total Construction Costs - $11,823,842

Bonds and Insurance

By contract all bidders are required to supply a certified check, bank cashiers check or bid

bond of 100% of the contract value as a bid guarantee. They must also submit a statement

from an authorized bonding company that indicates that the bonding company will provide

the bidder with a Performance and a Payment Bond of 100% of the contract value.

Each contractor individually during the progress of the work and until final inspection must

purchase general liability and automobile liability insurances of an amount not less than

$1,000,000. In addition to the liability insurance, each contractor must obtain property

damage liability insurance of an amount not less than $2,000,000.

Appropriateness of Contract Types and Delivery Systems

From the selection of a Professional to the Professionals fee to the number of contractors to

the selection of the contractors, DGS assumes a standardized approach. In any project in

Pennsylvania performed by DGS, the same process will be performed.

Although this process is standard it might not necessarily be the easiest, the most economical

or the most quality oriented for that matter. In my future thesis research analysis I will

investigate the DGS contract type and evaluate if another means of contracting would be

better suited.



Staffing Plan

Mechanical Inspector—On site

Deputy Secretary for Public Work—Harrisburg Office

Inspector Manager—Pittsburgh Off.

Inspector Supervisor—On Site

General Inspector—On site

Electrical Inspector—On site

Project Executive—Pitt. Off.

DGS (CM/Owner)

Reginella Constr. General Contr.

Project Manager—Pitt. Off.

Site Manager—On Site

EstimatoSlippery Rock Univ. Separate Supervision

Owner Rep / Project Executive

Owner Site Rep / Project Manager IKM Inc. (Architect)

Senior Design Manager

Project Manager

Engineering Consultant—H. F. Lenz

Landscape Consultant—GWSM

Slippery Rock University



Temporary Facilities

The general contractor by contract is required to provide and maintain a suitable

office on the premises. This contractor is also to provide and maintain heating

facilities and supply fuel for these facilities in cold weather.

The general contractor is not required to provide The Department with an office as it

will occupy an existing space for their field office. The GC is however required to

furnish the following items to The Department: All supplies (i.e., toner, paper, water,

ink) for the duration of the project, an electric calculator with tape, a Fax machine, a

desk top copy machine, 4 sets of rubber boots, 4 sets of rain gear, 4 safety glasses, 4

walkie-talkies, a laser jet printer, a telephone answering machine, a laptop computer,

and a copy of BOCA National Building Code and locally enforced edition. The

Department will use the telephones currently installed in the existing field office.

The general contractor is also required to provide and maintain portable toilets on

site for every 10 men on site.

Temporary Light/Power

The general contractor is required by contract to install, operate, protect, and

maintain temporary power service for the duration of this project. This service

includes temporary wiring throughout project work areas. The service must be 200

amp, 4 wire, 120/208 V with fused safety switch protection required for single phase.

In addition to this, the general is to provide single phase, 208 V power if required.

Also, 100w of light and duplex power outlets are to be accessible every 20’ on center

and in every room. It is important to note the contract phrasing, “…to provide

adequate light and power, to the satisfaction of the Department, for the proper



conduct of work.” This line gives complete control to the Department for if at any

point extra lighting or power is necessary. All power will be tied into the existing

power supply from the Institution. All charges associated to this tie in and for the

use of this power is the responsibility of the Institution. Temporary power for the

trailer areas is not a responsibility of the general contractor. The general contractor

did however supply power to this area for its trailer. Other contractor power was

connected at the cost of the particular contractor.

Temporary Water

The general contractor is required by contract to install, operate, protect and maintain

adequate water supply during the period of construction either by means of the

permanent water supply line or by the installation of a temporary water supply. For

this project the general contractor tied into the existing water supply held by the

Institution. All tie in costs and water costs are the responsibility of the Institution.

The GC is also responsible for the clean up of delivery vehicles and site equipment

when leaving the site. This requires a wash station set up at the construction entrance

to the site.

Temporary Heat and Ventilation

The General Contractor has two temporary heat requirements. One, the GC is to

provide and maintain temporary heat prior to the enclosure of the building if weather

predictions indicate below freezing temperatures or temperatures that may damage

work. And two, once the building is enclosed, the GC is responsible for providing

and maintaining a temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. All Fuel costs for

maintaining temporary heat is the responsibility of the General Contractor. It is very

important to point out that all concrete slabs will be poured in the winter months.



Also, masonry will be set in the winter months. These two processes will require

extensive temporary heat planning, due that the area will not be enclosed, to assure

that the concrete and grout cure correctly. Concrete and grout require a curing

temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ventilation is required in all enclosed areas where oil-fired portable heaters are used.



Green Design / Leed Certification Analysis

Executive Summary

Today, buildings account for more than 1/3 of all energy, water and material

consumption. Buildings also produce a similar amount of waste and pollution. The

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies indoor air qualities of buildings as one of

the top environmental risks today in the United States. In an attempt to minimize those

risks and energy consumption use from buildings the U.S. Green Building Council has

created the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Rating System.

This rating system aims to improve occupant well-being, environmental performance and

economic returns of building using established and innovative practices, standards and

technologies. The rating system is broken down into 6 divisions: sustainable sites, water

efficiency, energy & atmosphere, materials & resources, indoor environmental quality, and

innovation & design process. Each division is then broken into parts that are assigned a

maximum number of credits. The credits of each section are totaled for the project’s LEED

rating. This number corresponds to a certification level, listed below.

Certified: 26 – 32 Points

Silver: 33 – 38 Points

Gold: 39 – 51 Points

Platinum: 52 – 69 Points

The focus of this analysis will be to determine the credits satisfied from the present design

and to discover what can be implemented in order to obtain the base certification. The

LEED certification was not even considered by the University or Architect. This is mainly

due to cost variables. The emphasis will be placed in obtaining this certification at the

lowest cost possible. In addition to the base certification requirements, research will be done

on how possible savings can arise from incorporating these design methods.



No Additional Cost Definition

There is no such thing as “no additional cost” for each credit. Even when credit

requirements are satisfied by the existing design there will be added cost in the form of

submittals and the revision to construction documents. These costs are referenced as no

additional cost because each and every requirement requires these submittals and changes.

Often submittals require brief calculations and references to local or federal codes. These

changes are minimal and the cost association is minimal. There will be no reference to these

minimal costs below.

Existing Design Analysis

In order to determine which credits will be pursued in order to achieve the

minimum Leed certification rating, in which 26 credits are needed, an analysis must be

performed of the existing design. In this analysis, each prerequisite and credit was

analyzed in order to determine the number of credits available at no additional cost. The

term no additional cost can be referenced above.

The Leed certification requirements hold 7 prerequisite requirements in order to

achieve any type of certification. All of these 7 prerequisites must be satisfied. After

reviewing these prerequisites, 6 of the 7 are satisfied at no additional cost. The other

prerequisite required will be discussed below. These 6 satisfied requirements can be seen

in the below chart. They are highlighted in green. Also, highlighted in yellow, is the

remaining prerequisite that is not yet fulfilled and will add cost. These costs will be

described later.

In addition to the prerequisites already satisfied, there are a number of credits that

are also available at no additional cost. These credits can be viewed in Table 1 below and

are highlighted in blue.



Table 1 LEED-NC Version 2.1 Registered Project Checklist

The Science and Technology Building Slippery Rock, Butler, Pa Sustainable Sites 14 Points Prereq 1 Erosion & Sedimentation Control Required Credit 1 Site Selection 1 Credit 2 Development Density 1 Credit 3 Brownfield Redevelopment 1 Credit 4.1 Alternative Transportation, Public Transportation Access 1 Credit 4.2 Alternative Transportation, Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms 1 Credit 4.3 Alternative Transportation, Alternative Fuel Vehicles 1 Credit 4.4 Alternative Transportation, Parking Capacity and Carpooling 1 Credit 5.1 Reduced Site Disturbance, Protect or Restore Open Space 1 Credit 5.2 Reduced Site Disturbance, Development Footprint 1 Credit 6.1 Stormwater Management, Rate and Quantity 1 Credit 6.2 Stormwater Management, Treatment 1 Credit 7.1 Landscape & Exterior Design to Reduce Heat Islands, Non-Roof 1 Credit 7.2 Landscape & Exterior Design to Reduce Heat Islands, Roof 1 Credit 8 Light Pollution Reduction 1

Water Efficiency 5 Points Credit 1.1 Water Efficient Landscaping, Reduce by 50% 1 Credit 1.2 Water Efficient Landscaping, No Potable Use or No Irrigation 1 Credit 2 Innovative Wastewater Technologies 1 Credit 3.1 Water Use Reduction, 20% Reduction 1 Credit 3.2 Water Use Reduction, 30% Reduction 1

Energy & Atmosphere 17 Points Prereq 1 Fundamental Building Systems Commissioning Required Prereq 2 Minimum Energy Performance Required Prereq 3 CFC Reduction in HVAC&R Equipment Required Credit 1 Optimize Energy Performance, 30% New Construction 4 of 10 Credit 2.1 Renewable Energy, 5% 1 Credit 2.2 Renewable Energy, 10% 1 Credit 2.3 Renewable Energy, 20% 1 Credit 3 Additional Commissioning 1 Credit 4 Ozone Depletion 1



Credit 5 Measurement & Verification 1 Credit 6 Green Power 1

Materials & Resources 13 Points Prereq 1 Storage & Collection of Recyclables Required Credit 1.1 Building Reuse, Maintain 75% of Existing Shell 1 Credit 1.2 Building Reuse, Maintain 100% of Shell 1 Credit 1.3 Building Reuse, Maintain 100% Shell & 50% Non-Shell 1 Credit 2.1 Construction Waste Management, Divert 50% 1 Credit 2.2 Construction Waste Management, Divert 75% 1 Credit 3.1 Resource Reuse, Specify 5% 1 Credit 3.2 Resource Reuse, Specify 10% 1 Credit 4.1 Recycled Content, Specify 5% (post-consumer + ½ post-industrial) 1 Credit 4.2 Recycled Content, Specify 10% (post-consumer + ½ post-industrial) 1 Credit 5.1 Local/Regional Materials, 20% Manufactured Locally 1 Credit 5.2 Local/Regional Materials, of 20% Above, 50% Harvested Locally 1 Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials 1 Credit 7 Certified Wood 1

Indoor Environmental Quality 15 Points Prereq 1 Minimum IAQ Performance RequiredPrereq 2 Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control RequiredCredit 1 Carbon Dioxide (CO2 ) Monitoring 1Credit 2 Ventilation Effectiveness 1Credit 3.1 Construction IAQ Management Plan, During Construction 1Credit 3.2 Construction IAQ Management Plan, Before Occupancy 1Credit 4.1 Low-Emitting Materials, Adhesives & Sealants 1Credit 4.2 Low-Emitting Materials, Paints 1Credit 4.3 Low-Emitting Materials, Carpet 1Credit 4.4 Low-Emitting Materials, Composite Wood & Agrifiber 1Credit 5 Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control 1Credit 6.1 Controllability of Systems, Perimeter 1Credit 6.2 Controllability of Systems, Non-Perimeter 1Credit 7.1 Thermal Comfort, Comply with ASHRAE 55-1992 1Credit 7.2 Thermal Comfort, Permanent Monitoring System 1Credit 8.1 Daylight & Views, Daylight 75% of Spaces 1Credit 8.2 Daylight & Views, Views for 90% of Spaces 1 Innovation & Design Process 5 Points Credit 1.1 Innovation in Design: Provide Specific Title 1 Credit 1.2 Innovation in Design: Provide Specific Title 1 Credit 1.3 Innovation in Design: Provide Specific Title 1 Credit 1.4 Innovation in Design: Provide Specific Title 1 Credit 2 LEED™ Accredited Professional 1



The remaining prerequisite, Fundamental Building Systems Commissioning can

be accomplished fairly easily. The criterion reads as followed:

Implement or have a contract in place to implement the following

fundamental best practice commissioning procedures:

• Engage a commissioning team that does not include individuals

directly responsible for project design or construction

management.

• Review the design intent and the basis of design documentation.

• Incorporate commissioning requirements into the construction

documents.

• Develop and utilize a commissioning plan.

• Verify installation, functional performance, training and operation

and maintenance documentation.

• Complete a commissioning report.

These requirements can be fulfilled by way of a third party commissioning

authority. This does not come cheap. From historical data by the U.S. Green Building

Council, it is estimated that this third party commissioning authority could cost 0.5-1.7%.

This would equate to a cost of roughly $100,000. This commissioning authority

however, does more than just meet the prerequisite for the leed certification. A properly

designed and executed commissioning plan generates substantial operational cost

savings. Successful implementation of the commissioning process often increases energy

efficiency by 5% to 10%. It can be estimated that this increased energy efficiency can

save energy for this type of building in the upwards of $10,000 annually. That would

mean that this third party commissioning authority would pay for itself in 10 years. In

addition to energy performance, occupant productivity is another operational cost

impacted by subpar building performance. Evaluation of projects involved in third party

commissioning has shown that implementation of the commissioning process activities



will pay for itself by the late design or early construction, and has a minimum three-to-

one payback by the end of construction and through the first year of operation.

Additional savings from this commissioning authority will be found later when increased

energy performance adds extra credits and additional commissioning can be added to the

commissioning authority at a very low price.

Also noted from the above table, 13 credits are satisfied at no additional cost by

the existing design. For descriptions for each credit and how it was satisfied, refer to

table 3.



Analysis of Additional LEED credits

Executive Summary

After analyzing the credits satisfied by the existing design, the next step is

determining the additional credits necessary in order to achieve the base LEED certification.

The selection of these remaining credits was based on the cost association of each. Table 2

below lists each of the pursued credits. The items highlighted green are the requirements

determined as presently satisfied by the previous analysis. The items highlighted in yellow

are the credits being pursued. The items highlighted in purple mark the items that are being

investigated as for the additional cost. The 2 items highlighted in orange are credits that

have potential cost savings. These items will be investigated following the table. It is

important to note that the total of the highlighted items add up to a silver LEED

certification. This silver certification will more than likely not be satisfied, but it presents the

option to the owner as to how to upgrade the certification. For each highlighted item, below

I will discuss what is necessary to achieve this credit, and what strategy should be employed.



Table 2

LEED-NC Version 2.1 Registered Project Checklist

The Science and Technology Building Slippery Rock, Butler, Pa Sustainable Sites 14 Points Prereq 1 Erosion & Sedimentation Control Required Credit 1 Site Selection 1 Credit 2 Development Density 1 Credit 3 Brownfield Redevelopment 1 Credit 4.1 Alternative Transportation, Public Transportation Access 1 Credit 4.2 Alternative Transportation, Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms 1 Credit 4.3 Alternative Transportation, Alternative Fuel Vehicles 1 Credit 4.4 Alternative Transportation, Parking Capacity and Carpooling 1 Credit 5.1 Reduced Site Disturbance, Protect or Restore Open Space 1 Credit 5.2 Reduced Site Disturbance, Development Footprint 1 Credit 6.1 Stormwater Management, Rate and Quantity 1 Credit 6.2 Stormwater Management, Treatment 1 Credit 7.1 Landscape & Exterior Design to Reduce Heat Islands, Non-Roof 1 Credit 7.2 Landscape & Exterior Design to Reduce Heat Islands, Roof 1 Credit 8 Light Pollution Reduction 1

Water Efficiency 5 Points Credit 1.1 Water Efficient Landscaping, Reduce by 50% 1 Credit 1.2 Water Efficient Landscaping, No Potable Use or No Irrigation 1 Credit 2 Innovative Wastewater Technologies 1 Credit 3.1 Water Use Reduction, 20% Reduction 1 Credit 3.2 Water Use Reduction, 30% Reduction 1

Energy & Atmosphere 17 Points Prereq 1 Fundamental Building Systems Commissioning Required Prereq 2 Minimum Energy Performance Required Prereq 3 CFC Reduction in HVAC&R Equipment Required Credit 1 Optimize Energy Performance, 30% New Construction 4 of 10 Credit 2.1 Renewable Energy, 5% 1 Credit 2.2 Renewable Energy, 10% 1 Credit 2.3 Renewable Energy, 20% 1 Credit 3 Additional Commissioning 1 Credit 4 Ozone Depletion 1



Credit 5 Measurement & Verification 1 Credit 6 Green Power 1

Materials & Resources 13 Points Prereq 1 Storage & Collection of Recyclables Required Credit 1.1 Building Reuse, Maintain 75% of Existing Shell 1 Credit 1.2 Building Reuse, Maintain 100% of Shell 1 Credit 1.3 Building Reuse, Maintain 100% Shell & 50% Non-Shell 1 Credit 2.1 Construction Waste Management, Divert 50% 1 Credit 2.2 Construction Waste Management, Divert 75% 1 Credit 3.1 Resource Reuse, Specify 5% 1 Credit 3.2 Resource Reuse, Specify 10% 1 Credit 4.1 Recycled Content, Specify 5% (post-consumer + ½ post-industrial) 1 Credit 4.2 Recycled Content, Specify 10% (post-consumer + ½ post-industrial) 1 Credit 5.1 Local/Regional Materials, 20% Manufactured Locally 1 Credit 5.2 Local/Regional Materials, of 20% Above, 50% Harvested Locally 1 Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials 1 Credit 7 Certified Wood 1

Indoor Environmental Quality 15 Points Prereq 1 Minimum IAQ Performance RequiredPrereq 2 Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control RequiredCredit 1 Carbon Dioxide (CO2 ) Monitoring 1Credit 2 Ventilation Effectiveness 1Credit 3.1 Construction IAQ Management Plan, During Construction 1Credit 3.2 Construction IAQ Management Plan, Before Occupancy 1Credit 4.1 Low-Emitting Materials, Adhesives & Sealants 1Credit 4.2 Low-Emitting Materials, Paints 1Credit 4.3 Low-Emitting Materials, Carpet 1Credit 4.4 Low-Emitting Materials, Composite Wood & Agrifiber 1Credit 5 Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control 1Credit 6.1 Controllability of Systems, Perimeter 1Credit 6.2 Controllability of Systems, Non-Perimeter 1Credit 7.1 Thermal Comfort, Comply with ASHRAE 55-1992 1Credit 7.2 Thermal Comfort, Permanent Monitoring System 1Credit 8.1 Daylight & Views, Daylight 75% of Spaces 1Credit 8.2 Daylight & Views, Views for 90% of Spaces 1 Innovation & Design Process 5 Points Credit 1.1 Innovation in Design: Green Building Education 1 Credit 1.2 Innovation in Design: Provide Specific Title 1 Credit 1.3 Innovation in Design: Provide Specific Title 1 Credit 1.4 Innovation in Design: Provide Specific Title 1 Credit 2 LEED™ Accredited Professional 1



SS 4.4 Alternative Transportation, Parking Capacity

Requirements:

Size parking capacity to meet, but not exceed, minimum local zoning requirements

and provide preferred parking for carpools or vanpools capable of serving 5% of the

building occupants; or add no new parking for rehabilitation projects and provide

preferred parking for carpools or vanpools capable of serving 5% of the building

occupants.

Solution:

Because this project is located near a large parking lot and does not add new parking

this credit can be easily obtained by adding preferred parking for carpools. This can

be accomplished at a very low cost. My proposal strategy for this would include

painting new lines and installing signs at the nearest location in the nearby parking

lot. It can be assumed that the building occupies 200 people, therefore 10 spots

should be regulated. The added cost of these spots would be minimal, from the

signs. Enforcement of these spots would be monitored by campus police, which

already monitors parking on campus.

SS 5.1 Reduced Site Disturbance, Protect or Restore Open Space

Requirements:

On previously developed sites, restore a minimum of 50% of the site area (excluding

the building footprint) by replacing impervious surfaces with native or adapted

vegetation.

Solution:

Provide calculations of restored land area with native vegetation.



SS 7.2 Landscape & Exterior Design to Reduce Head Islands, Roof Surfaces

Requirements:

Use Energy Star compliant (highly reflective and high emissivity roofing (emissivity

of at least 0.9 when tested in accordance with ASTM 408) for a minimum of 75% of

the roof surface; or install a “green” vegetated roof for at least 50% of the roof area.

Combinations of high albedo and vegetated roof can be used providing they

collectively cover 75% of the roof area.

Solution:

The pursuit of this credit was very important to the University. They looked at this

added green roof as a means to evolve the agricultural curriculum and incorporate

that into the use of this building. It was unfortunate however that the building is not

capable of having a fully vegetated roof. This is because of the numerous roof top

equipment on the 3rd floor roof. Fortunately because of the symmetric design of the

building, the roof square footage is broken directly in half by the wings and the 3rd

level. The solution is that atop of each wing, a green roof be installed. This roof will

consist of four distinct layers: an impermeable roof membrane, a “drainage net,”

lightweight growth media, and adapted vegetation. The drainage layer is an open,

highly drainable material that quickly channels gravitational water to the edge of the

roof. The media performs several functions. In addition to providing a suitable

rooting zone for the selected vegetation, the medium should be of low density and

have high water holding capability. The lighter weight reduces the need for extra

structural support in new buildings. This medium layer also provides some

insulation. Decreasing winter heat costs and decreasing summer air conditioning

costs. This system also plays an important role in storm water retention. With a 5

inch green roof installed the added weight can be assessed at 10 psi. This additional

weight is more than likely fine with the present structural system. The added cost of

the roof is estimated from historical data at $14 per square foot. The existing design

of the modified bitumen roof costs $8 per square foot. This roof would increase



cost by almost $90,000. It will be questionable whether the owner will pursue this

design addition because of the cost associated.

SS 8 Light Pollution Reduction

Requirements:

Meet of provide lower light levels and uniformity ratios than those recommended by

the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA). Design exterior

lighting such that all exterior luminaries with more than 1000 initial lamp lumens are

shielded and all luminaries with more than 3500 initial lamp lumens meet the full

cutoff of IESNA classification. The maximum candela value of all interior lighting

shall fall within the building (not out through window) and the maximum candela

value of all exterior lighting shall fall within the property. Any luminaire within a

distance of 2.5 times its mounting height from the property boundary shall have

shielding such that no light from that luminaire crosses the property boundary.

Solution:

For all exterior lighting of entranceways, shielding will be necessary to limit flux

above the horizontal. The bollards used on site meet the IESNA requirements and

will not trespass light. The pole mounted luminaries should be tested for the flux

emission above the horizontal. If these lights do not meet the criteria, redesign

should include a full cutoff luminary. The main problem to overcome for this site is

the flood lighting of the flagpole. This lighting is nearly impossible to have in order

to achieve this LEED credit. The use of a building mounted light to illuminate the

flagpole would minimize the light pollution, but at the same time would increase

light trespass and only the back side of the flag would be light. This technique would

not be reasonable. My suggestion would be to eliminate the installation of the

flagpole flood lights if the redesign to minimize upward flux is not possible. By

removing the flagpole lights, the flag would need to be taken down at night. This



would not add maintenance cost however, the University ROTC program would be

responsible for this. Added cost to achieve this credit will be a result of the

luminary testing.

WE 3.1 Water Use Reduction, 20%

Requirements:

Employ strategies that in aggregate use 20% less water than the water use baseline

calculated for the building(not including irrigation) after meeting the Energy Policy

Act of 1992 fixture performance requirements.

Solution:

To reduce the water used in this building I suggest three different tactics. First, I

propose the installation of waterless urinals. These urinals are as their name,

waterless. They contain a liquid lighter than water that when urinated in, the urine

flows through it. The existing urinals in the building are 1.0 gallons per flush. By

eliminating these urinals in a 400 occupant building, of which 200 can be assumed

male. Each of these

males can be expected

to urinate twice daily,

these urinals can save

400 gallons per day.

The cost of these

urinals is normally

twice the cost of a

conventional urinal.

However, savings

from water feeds and

water are comparable to the conventional urinal. The second tactic would be by



reducing each sink water sensor from the specified 15 seconds, to 12 seconds. This

is a 20% reduction in water that costs nothing to change and saves money in water

use. The third tactic is by specifying low flow sinks in the laboratory spaces. These

sinks are not generally priced any different than normal sinks and they also save

money in water. In laboratory spaces where a certain water pressure is needed, I

suggest supplying half the sinks in the lab space with low flow and half without. By

following these tactics, a reduction of 20% is very feasible.

E&A 3 Additional Commissioning

Requirements:

In addition to the Fundamental Building Commissioning prerequisite, implement or

have a contract in place to implement the following additional commissioning tasks:

A commissioning authority independent of the design team shall conduct a

review of the design prior to the construction documents phase.

An independent commissioning authority shall conduct a review of the

construction documents near completion of the construction document

development and prior to issuing the contract documents for construction.

An independent commissioning authority shall review the contractor

submittals relative to systems being commissioned.

Provide the owner with a single manual that contains the information

required for re-commissioning building systems.

Have a contract in place to review building operation with O&M staff,

including a plan for resolution of outstanding commissioning-related issues

within one year after construction completion date.

Solution:

Because of the third party commissioning authority employed in the prerequisite

for this section, adding activities to the authority will only raise the overall cost of

this team slightly. From historical date, (the same used above) the addition of



these activities will only add another 0.2%, which is an addition of roughly

$24,000. This cost is relatively high, but it must be understood that very often

the employment of such third party commissioning authorities results in cost

savings. By reviewing the construction documents and submittals, problems in

design are often prevented which would otherwise result in costly change orders.

E&A 4 Ozone Depletion

Requirements:

Install base building level HVAC and refrigeration equipment and fire suppression

systems that do not contain HCFCs or Halons.

Solution:

Research and specify all building systems with non-ozone-depleting equipment. For

the HVAC, refrigeration, insulation, and fire suppression systems specifications

should prohibit HCFC’s or Halons and suggest hydrofluorocarbon systems.

Currently the refrigeration system has specified a HFC system. The HVAC,

insulation and fire suppression systems are not labeled to include only HFC type

system. Research of these systems will be needed. My best guess would be that

these systems are also HFC types and would require no additional changes other

than specifying them in the construction documents.

M&R 2.1 Construction Waste Management, Divert 50%

Requirements:

Develop and implement a waste management plan, quantifying material diversion

goals. Recycle and/or salvage at least 50% of construction, demolition and land



clearing waste. Calculations can be done by weight or volume, but must be

consistent throughout.

Solution:

Same as for credit 2.2 below.

M&R 2.2 Construction Waste Management, Divert 75%

Requirements:

Develop and implement a waste management plan, quantifying material diversion

goals. Recycle and/or salvage an additional 25% (75% total) of construction,

demolition and land clearing waste. Calculations can be done by weight or volume,

but must be consistent throughout.

Solution:

Include in each contractors waste specification to recycle and/or salvage a minimum

of 75% or construction, demolition and land clearing waste. For this task to be

accomplished there must be separate dumpsters on site to recycle each different type

of recyclable material. It will be important to research salvage opportunities, on-site

reprocessing and reuse opportunities, recommended recycling activities, licensed

haulers and processors of recyclables, and potential markets for salvaged materials.

A good estimate will result in 10-12 separate dumpsters emptied twice monthly.

Each separate contractor will be responsible for submitting dumpster removal

weight reports. These reports will need to be tabulated at the end of construction to

declare its recycled/salvaged percentage. The added dumpsters will add little cost

because the materials in them will need to be removed anyways. The additional cost

will be from the transportation of this waste. It is possible that some of the material

may need to be transported a good distance, this will add significant cost. Another



aspect to watch out for while achieving this credit will be that added dumpsters will

limit space. It will be important to design the site layout to provide for this

additional space.

M&R 5.1 Local/Regional Material, 20% Manufactured Locally

Requirements:

Use a minimum of 20% of building materials and products that are manufactured

regionally within a radius of 500 miles.

Solution:

Specify in the contract documents that 20% of materials are manufactured locally.

This specification may affect bids slightly; however the majority of materials

currently used come from well within the 500 mile radius. For instance all the steel is

manufactured 100 miles away from the building site. The concrete is manufactured

within 20 miles of the building site. Also the brick is manufactured within 200 miles

of the site. These three materials alone equate (by price) to roughly 20%. Additional

materials are also locally manufactured, however a full list has not been compiled.

The addition of this stipulation to the contract documents can be assumed to impact

the total cost of materials very insignificantly. The most appropriate method to

ensure this 20% would be to stipulate in the contract documents that 100% of

specific materials must be manufactured locally such as steel, concrete, brick, sheet

metal, etc. Then include in all other contracts a smaller percentage required. This

will result in a lower cost all around because for the most part steel, concrete, brick

and sheet metal are already supplied by manufactures within 500 miles. These types

of materials are quite expensive if manufactured further than 500 miles and are not

generally used by contractors.



M&R 5.2 Local/Regional Materials, of 20% Above, 50% Harvested Locally

Requirements:

Of the regionally manufactured materials documented for MR Credits 5.1, use a

minimum of 50% of the building materials and products that are extracted, harvested

or recovered (as well as manufactured) within 500 miles of the project site.

Solution:

This credit is very similar to the previous credit. Again, specify that 100% of specific

materials are manufactured and harvested within 500 miles of the building site. Then

specify other contracts to meet a certain percentage of locally harvested materials.

This credit, as with the credit above, should add little cost.

M&R 7 Certified Wood

Requirements:

Use a minimum of 50% of wood-based materials and products, certified in

accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council’s Principles and Criteria, for wood

building components including, but not limited to, structural framing and general

dimensional framing, flooring, finishes, furnishings, and nonrented temporary

construction applications such as bracing, concrete form work and pedestrian

barriers.

Solution:

Specify the major wood contracts such as doors, flooring, casework to use certified

wood in accordance with the FSCPC. In addition to these specifications, specify that

all other contracts use a percentage of certified wood. Calculations will be needed to

determine the value of wood that is certified, and the value not certified. Because



the value of casework and flooring are extremely high, it is very likely that specifying

those contracts alone will meet the requirements for this credit.

IEQ 1 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Monitoring

Requirements:

Install a permanent carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring system that provides feedback

on space ventilation performance in a form that affords operational adjustments.

Solution:

The current VAV system does not include a CO2 monitoring system. An upgrade to

a system that includes such monitoring sensors would be available at a minimal cost

addition. The Building Management and Control System should be equipped

enough to be able to incorporate these extra sensors.

IEQ 3.1 Construction IAQ Management Plan, During Construction

Requirements:

Develop and implement an indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan for the

construction and pre-occupancy phases of the building as follows:

During construction meet or exceed the recommended Design Approaches

of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association

(SMACNA) IAQ Guideline for Occupied Buildings under Construction,

1995, Chapter 3.

Protect stored on-site or installed absorptive materials from moisture

damage.



If air handlers must be used during construction, filtration media with a

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 8 must be used at each

return air grill, as determined by ASHRAE 52.2-1999.

Replace all filtration media immediately prior to occupancy. Filtration media

shall have a MERV of 13, as determined by ASHRAE 52.2-1999 for media

installed at the end of construction.

Solution:

Include these specifications in the contract documents. Protection of on-site or

installed absorptive materials is common practice for any duct worker. The

additional cost for this credit will result from the replacement of filtration media.

IEQ 3.2 Construction IAQ Management Plan, Before Occupancy

Requirements:

Develop and implement an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan for the pre-

occupancy phase as follows:

After construction ends and prior to occupancy conduct a minimum two-

week building flush-out with new MERV 13 filtration media at 100% outside

air. After the flushout, replace the filtration media with new MERV 13

filtration media, except the filters solely processing outside air.

Or

Conduct a baseline indoor air quality testing procedure consistent with the

United States Environmental Protection Agency’s current Protocol for

Environmental Requirements, Baseline IAQ and Materials, for the Research Triangle

Park Campus, Section 01445.



Solution:

Following construction of the building, if schedule follows as planned there

should be ample time to include a 2-week flush out period. The filters needing

replaced will be the same as replaced in the previous credit so there will be no

added cost to achieve this credit. These specifications should be included in the

contract documents. Also, include a provision for schedule delay. If the

schedule is delayed and there is not time to have the flush out period, then the

HVAC contractor should be responsible to conduct the indoor air quality testing.

IEQ 4.1 Low-Emitting Materials, Adhesives & Sealants

Requirements:

The VOC content of adhesives and sealants used must be less than the current VOC

content limits of South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule

#1168, and all sealants used as fillers must meet or exceed the requirements of the

Bay Area Air Quality Management District Regulation 8, Rule 51.

Solution:

The specification of low-emitting adhesives and sealants is presently in the

construction documents. There is however a list of sealant manufacturers specified.

Research will need to be done to specify manufacturers that supply low-emitting

adhesives and sealants. From historical information, it does not appear that these

adhesives or sealants will have a significant cost increase. There are added benefits

to specifying low-emitting materials. Studies have shown that productivity is

decreased in areas with high-emitting materials. These low emitting materials will

help productivity and prevent people from getting sick.



IEQ 4.2 Low-Emitting Materials, Paints

Requirements:

VOC emissions from paints and coatings must not exceed the VOC and chemical

component limits of Green Seal’s Standard GS-11 requirements.

Solution:

Similar to the previous credit, low-emitting paints must be specified in the contract

documents. Research will need to be done to provide paint suppliers that have low-

emitting paints. From previous case studies, low emitting paint prices are

comparable to normal paint prices. No VOC paints are often more expensive. Also,

many of the existing paint suppliers supply low emitting paints.

IEQ 4.3 Low-Emitting Materials, Carpet

Requirements:

Carpet systems must meet or exceed the requirements of the Carpet and Rug

Institute’s Green Label Indoor Air Quality Test Program.

Solution:

Low-emitting carpets must be specified in the contract documents. Research will

need to be done to provide carpet suppliers that have low-emitting carpets. In the

past specifying low-emitting carpets limited the number of carpets available, thus

limiting interior aesthetics. This is not the case today.



IEQ 4.4 Low-Emitting Materials, Composite Wood

Requirements:

Composite wood and agrifiber products must contain no added urea-formaldehyde

resins.

Solution:

Add this specification to the contract documents. Specify retailers that provide

casework, flooring, trims, doors, windows, formwork, etc. that can provide products

with no added urea-formaldehyde resins. Regardless of the cost association of

specifying these materials, the health benefits of not being exposed to such products

are huge. These urea-formaldehyde resins are known to have cancer effects and to

exacerbate asthma.

IEQ 8.1 Daylight & Views, Daylight 75% of Spaces

Requirements:

Achieve a minimum Daylight Factor of 2% (excluding all direct sunlight penetration)

in 75% of all space occupied for critical visual tasks. Spaces excluded from this

requirement include copy rooms, storage areas, mechanical plant rooms, laundry and

other low occupancy support areas. Other exceptions for spaces where tasks would

be hindered by the use of daylight will be considered on their merits.

Solution:

This requirement should be implemented early on in the design phase. Because the

building is used for a University and has a strong focus on the learning environment,

it is very likely that the required daylight factor is already satisfied. Additional

calculations will be needed to confirm. If not, the building should take advantage of

day lighting techniques whatever means possible.



I&DP 1.1 Innovation in Design, Green Building Education

Requirements:

In writing, identify the intent of the proposed innovation credit, the proposed

requirement for compliance, the proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance,

and the design approach (strategies) that might be used to meet the requirements.

Solution:

This innovative credit can be accomplished by many different ways. Because of the

building being at a University this credit has even greater benefits. To accomplish

this credit, signage can be located around the building to acknowledge Green design

implementations into the building. These signs will educate occupants of Green

Design. In addition to signs placed, tours can be given and a website created.

Luckily the University has an environmental committee that focuses on many

different environmental factors. In fact the group has an already established website

that incorporates Green Design. It does not currently have any information

pertaining to this. The committee would be more than willing to post information

about this buildings LEED certification. Also, they would be interested in giving

tours. The required cost of this credit would involve educating the environmental

group in order for them to pass on the information. Also, minimal cost will be

added from signage.

Conclusion

The total credit points currently satisfied and the credits pursued total to 33 points.

By satisfying all 33 points, the building would classify with a Silver LEED rating. The desire

to obtain the silver rating was not the main focus, but the option is available. The main

reason for the extra 7 points above the base LEED certification is to give the owner and

architect options. They could work together to decide on what credits proved to be too

costly. Also, when pursuing a LEED certification, added credits should always be

attempted incase certain points are not received by not meeting requirements during

construction.



Analysis of Leed Certification credits

Executive Summary

In this analysis I will investigate every credit requirement for LEED certification

and analyze how each can be obtained. For each credit a cost association will be

assumed. Also, each credit is labeled as followed:

Legend Required Prerequisite Credit Possible at minimal added cost Credit Possible at no additional cost Credit Not Possible Credit Possible but with high cost association Further investigation

Project Checklist Sustainable Sites 14 Possible Pts.

Y, N, ?

Credit Name Pts Notes Cost Addition

Y Pre 1 Erosion & Sedimentation Control

Req. A specific design of erosion and sediment control plan not made. However, a detailed plan is described in the project manual in division 2200 part 3.3 to accomplish the following objectives consistent with this prerequisite: The prerequisite requires: *Prevent loss of soil during construction by stormwater runoff and/or wind erosion, including protecting topsoil by stockpiling for reuse. *Prevent sedimentation of storm sewer or receiving streams. *Prevent polluting the air with dust and particulate matter. An additional plan could be added to the documents at a very low cost. Most erosion and sediment control plans are generic plans.

Very Minimal



Y 1 Site Selection 1 This site complyies to all standards listed: *Is not prime farmland. *Is above 5 feet of the elevation for a 100 year flood. *Is not specifically identified as habitat for any species on Federal or State threatened or endangered lists. *Is not within 100 feet of any water or wetlands. *Land was not public parkland prior to aquisition for project.

None

N 2 Urban Redevelopment

1 Not Applicable. Site is not located in urban area. N/A

N 3 Brownfield Redevelopment

1 Not Applicable. Site is not located in Brownfield area.

N/A

N 4.1 Alternative Transportation, Public Transportation Access

1 Not Applicable. Site is not within 1/2 mile of a commuter rail, light rail or subway station or 1/4 mile of two or more public or campus bus lines

N/A

Y 4.2 Alternative Transportation, Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms

1 This site is located within 200 yards of a field house used for intercollegiate athletics. The facility has means of convenient changing and showering for well over 5% of the Science and Technology's buildings occupants. Outside the building there secure bicyle storage racks for 5% of the occupants.

None

? 4.3 Alternative Transportation, Alternative Fuel Refueling Stations

1 Provide alternative fuel vehicles for 3% of building occupants and provide preferred parking for these vehicles, or install alternative-fuel refueling stations for 3% of the total vehicle parking capacity of the site. This system might not be appropriate for this site. 40% of occupants walk or ride bicyles to this building.

High

Y 4.4 Alternative Transportation, Parking Capacity

1 No additional parking will be created for this facility. In order to fully obtain this credit, parking in the nearby parking lot will need to have parking spaces marked as preferred parking for carpools or vanpools for 5% of the building occupancy.

Very Minimal



Y 5.1 Reduced Site Disturbance, Protect or Restore Open Space

1 This building will be constructed on a previously developed site. In order to obtain this credit a minimum of 50% of the site area will need to be restored by replacing impervious surfaces with native or adapted vegetation. The existing walkways in this site will be removed and replaced with new walkways and new vegetation. New trees and grass will be planted. More restoring will need to be done to this site to gain this credit, but it is very achievable.

Low

Y 5.2 Reduced Site Disturbance, Development Footprint

1 Because this building is being constructed on a university campus, there are no local zoning requirements. To obtain this credit open space adjacent to the building equal to the development footprint must be designated open space. An open space equal/larger than the development footprint has been designed in the site layout. There will be no added open areas neccesary.

None

Y 6.1 Stormwater Management, Rate or Quantity

1 If existing imperviousness is less than or equal to 50% the new stormwater management plan must not exceed the previous stormwater runoff. If existing imperviousness is more than 50%, then implement a stormwater management plan that results in a 25% decrease in the rate and quantity of stormwater runoff. Designed into the site 80% of paving is permeable bituminous paving. This will result in a decrease in runoff but the percentage will not be 25%. If a green roof design is implemented, the percentage will be above 25%. Another way of increasing the percentage would be by implementing open grid paving. This type of paving can be installed at fairly low cost above conventional paving. The reuse of stormwater will not be probable at this site.

High



? 6.2 Stormwater Management, Treatment

1 To obtain this credit, site stormwater treatment systems must be designed to remove 80% of the average annual post-development total suspended solids and 40% of the average annual post-development total phosphorous based on the average annual loadings from all storms less than or equal to the 2-year/24-hour storm. A Best Management Practice of the United States Environmental Protection Agency must be implemented. To accomplish this, a natural treatment system could be created such as vegetated filter strips and bioswales. This could be done by including such a design into the landscaping design. This credit is easily achievable, however for aesthetic purposes a natural system might not be appropriate. A mechanical system could be more relative to the surroundings but would come at a very high cost. Some mechanical systems include a Electrocoagulation System and a Vortechs System.

Medium

Y 7.1 Landscape & Exterior Design to Reduce Heat Islands, NonRoof

1 To obtain this credit, 30% of non-roof impervious surfaces must be provided with shade and/or use light colored/ high-albedo materials. On this site 70% of the paving is permeable. Although it is a black shade, the material will stay cool when moist. The other sidewalks are concrete. The concrete is considered light colored. As designed, this site fullfills the requirement for this credit.

None



Y 7.2 Landscape & Exterior Design to Reduce Heat Islands, Roof

1 To obtain this credit one of two measures must be taken. One, a Energy Star compliant highly reflective and high emissivity roof must be installed to 75% of the roof. This seems very feasible. After initial calculations for this type of roof, $900 - $1400 can be saved annually from electicity costs. In addition to the annual savings, from initial research the overall installation cost for this type of system can result in savings of roughly $85,000. This option will be investigated further. The second way to obtain this credit is to install a green roof to 50% of the roof. This idea is also being further investigated. However, the installation of this type of roof will not save initially, it will save roughly the same amount annually as the reflective roof. This credit is very achievable from either of these methods.

Possible Savings



Y 8 Light Pollution Reduction

1 To obtain this credit exterior lighting must be designed such that all exterior luminaires are shielded and all interior lighting be designed such that the maximum candela value fall within the building. The Maximum candela value of the exterior lighting shall fall within the property. This building has very little additional exterior light in its desgin. All lighting is for traffic and pedestrian use. The lights are low wattage and have low lamp lumens. The only lights that pose a potential problem are the flag pole lights that are directed upward at approximately a 70 degree angle. This lighting may not be a problem due to the low wattage and lumen output. This would require the calculation of a lighting engineer. Another option would be simply to remove these lights and take down the flag in the evening. Also, all exterior building mounted entrance lights will need to have shielding attached so as not to shine past the buildings boundaries.

Minimal

Points possible with little to no cost

7

Additional points possible with high cost / or alt. system

4

Total Points Possible 11



Water Efficiency

Y, N, ?

Credit Name Pts. Cost Addition

Y 1.1 Water Efficient Landscaping, Reduce by 50%

1 To obtain this credit the use of potable water consumption for irrigation must be reduced by 50% over conventional means. This can be done simply by designing the landscape with indigenous plantlife. All plants to be inserted into site are native to the area and require no irrigation. Thus the irrigation is reduced by 100% for this site. There is no cost association with this credit.

None

Y 1.2 Water Efficient Landscaping, No Potable Use or No Irrigation

1 Because no irrigation system is installed at this site, this credit is achieved at no additional cost. There is no irrigation system designed for this site because the landscaping will consist of indigenous plantlife.

None

N 2 Innovative Wastewater Technologies

1 To obtain this credit the use of municipally provided potable water for building sewage conveyance must be reduced a minimum of 50%, or treat 100% of wastewater on site to teriary standards. This task does not seem obtainable for the credit level rating desired. The cost for this type of system is not reasonable.

High



? 3.1 Water Use Reduction, 20% Reduction

1 To obtain this credit strategies must be employed to use 20% less water than the water use baseline calculated for the building. This credit could be very tricky to obtain. First proposed is the installation of waterless urinals. The base price for these type of urinals are no more expensive than a normal flush urinal. However, these urinals have many cost savings. The maintenance cost for the waterless toilets is estimated by the retailer at 70% annually. Also, there are savings in the water feeds to the urinals because there are none. Lastly, the use of waterless urinals can result in a savings of 40,000 gallons of water per year. These savings make the installation of such waterless urinals to be very reasonable. Secondly proposed is the adjustment of sink water sensors. By changing the water supply interval of 15 seconds to 12 seconds, 20% of lavatory sink water usage will be saved. The addition of both of these proposals will reduce lavatory water usage in the upwards of 30%. The problem however, is that the laboratory sinks are the main usage of potable water for the building.

Possible Cost Savings

Specifying lower flow sinks from 2.0 gallons per minute to 1.6 gallons per minute will reduce the water usage to the necessary ammount to obtain the credit, but it is questionable as to whether the laboratories require a specified water flow.

N 3.2 Water Use Reduction, 30% Reduction

1 Because of this building having a laboratory environment with many sinks, a water use reduction of this magnitude seems very unlikely without a stormwater re-use type of system.

Unreas-onable


2

Additional points possible with high cost/ or alt. system

1




Energy & Atmosphere 17 Possible Pts.

Y, N, ?

Credit Name Pts. Notes Cost Addition

Y Pre 1 Fundamental Building Systems Commissioning

Req. The prerequisite requires several fundamental best practice commissioning procedures be implemented or have a contract in place: *Engage a commissioning team that does not include individuals directly responsible for project design or construction management. *Review the design intent and the basis of design documentation. *Incorporate commissioning requirements into the construction documents. *Develop and utilize a commissioning plan. *Verify installation, functional performance, training and operation and maintenance documentation. *Complete a commissioning report. ----These procedures are required. For this a team must be employed and associated with this project during the assignment of commissioning. They must also observe the finalized commissioning.

Medium

Y Pre 2 Minimum Energy Performance

Req. This prerequisite requires the design of the building to comply with ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999 or the local energy code, whichever is more stringent. The ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999 is more stringent in this area. This prerequisite is already achieved by design. No cost addition is associated with this prerequisite.

None

Y Pre 3 CFC Reduction in HVAC&R Equipment

Req. This prerequisite requires the buildings HVAC&R systems have zero use of CFC-based refrigerants. This prerequisite has already been achieved by design. There are no CFC-based refrigerants in the buildings HVAC&R system. There are no added costs associated.

None

Y 1.1 Optimize Energy Performance, 20% New / 10% Existing

2 Refer to credit 1.2 for description. Low



Y 1.2 Optimize Energy Performance, 30% New / 20% Existing

2 To obtain this credit, reduce design energy cost compared to the energy cost budget for energy systems regulated by ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999 as demonstrated by a whole building simulation using the Energy Cost Budget Method described in Section 11 of the Standard. It can be assumed, because of the design of the VAV system, energy performance will meet the 30% reduction. Further calculations and simulations will need to be performed to prove this assumption. The cost of these simulations will be the extent of the added cost.

Low

N 1.3 Optimize Energy Performance, 40% New / 30% Existing

2 Energy Performance at this desired percentage will be unlikely achieved. After calculations and simulations described in credit 1.2 are performed this credit will be decided.


2 Refer to credit 1.3



N 2.1 Renewable Energy, 5%

1 To obtain this credit 5% of the building's total energy use must be supplied through the use of on-site renewable energy systems. The employment of such systems for this particular building does not seem reasonable for the certified rating wanted.







Y 3 Additional Commissioning

1 To obtain this credit additional commisioning tasks must be performed: *A commissioning authority independent of the design team shall conduct a review of the design prior to the construction documents phase. *An independent commissioning authority shall conduct a review of the construction documents near completion of the construction document development and prior to issuing the contract documents for construction. *An independent commissioning authority shall review the contractor submittals relative to systems being commissioned. *Provide the owner with a single manual that contains the information required for re-commissioning building systems. *Have a contract in place to review building operation with O&M staff, including a plan for resolution of outstanding commissioning-related issues within one year after construction completion date. ----Although these requirements seem costly, it would be appropriate to persue this credit. Because a team must be employed already to fulfill the prerequisite commissioning, these added tasks will not add significant cost.

Medium

Y 4 Ozone Depletion 1 To obtain this credit HVAC and refrigeration equipment and fire suppression systems must not contain HCFC's or Halons. This concern has already been incorporated in the design. There is no added cost to obtain this credit.

None



N 5 Measurement & Verification

1 To obtain this credit continuous metering equipment must be installed for the following end-uses: Lighting systems and controls, constant and variable motor loads, variable frequency drive operation, chiller efficiency at variable loads, cooling load, air and water economizer and heat recovery cycles, air distribution static pressures and ventilation air volumes, boiler efficiencies, building related process energy systems and equipment, indoor water risers and outdoor irrigation systems. ----The installation of such monitoring devices will result in a very high added cost. The persuit of this credit does not seem appropriate for the credit rating sought after.

N 6 Green Power 1 To obtain this credit 50% of the buildings electricity must be provided from renewable sources by engaging in at least a two-year renewable energy contract. This credit is not applicable. There are no renewable energy sources available in the area where this building is being constructed.

N/A


5


1




Materials & Resources 13 Possible Pts.

Y, N, ?

Credit Name pts Notes

Pre 1 Storage & Collection of Recyclables

Req. This prerequisite requires that an area easily accessible be dedicated to the separation, collection and storage of materials for recycling. This includes paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics and metals. This site already requires and has a designated area to dispose of paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and metal cans. There is also additional collection of waste metal materials. This designated area exists convienently next to the dumpster area however it is not marked on the plans and will need to be. There should be no additional cost to achieve this prerequisite, however increased enforcement might be necessary.

None

N 1.1 Building Reuse, Maintain 75% of Existing Shell

1 Not Applicable. This site is constructed of new materials and will use no existing shell.

N 1.2 Building Reuse, Maintain 100% of Shell

1 Not Applicable. See credit 1.1 for details.

N 1.3 Building Reuse, Maintain 100% Shell & 50% Non-Shell

1 Not Applicable. See credit 1.1 for details.



Y 2.1 Construction Waste Management, Divert 50%

1 To obtain this credit a waste management plan must be developed to recycle and/or salvage at least 50% of construction, demolition and land clearing waste. Calculations can be done by weight or volume, but must be consistent throughout. This management can be obtained by specifying that the following materials be diverted at a minimum of 75% from landfill. (This to achieve the 75% point as well) Land-clearing debris, clean dimensional wood, pallet wood, plywood, osb, and particleboard, concrete, brick, concrete masonry units, asphaltic concrete, cardboard, paper, packaging, roofing material, metals, gypsum drywall, paint, glass, plastics, carpet and pad, beverage containers. The lead contractor will be responsible for supplying corrisponding recycling/salvage dumpsters. Each dumpster when taken from site will issue letter to the CM specifying weight removed. The normal waste weight will be calculated as well. 75% diversion is desired. Added cost will be the result of transporting these materials to recycling/salvage site. Also, much needed room will be occupyed by recycling dumpsters. This

Low - Medium

should not be a problem for this site, although slight site changes will be necessary. In addition to these added costs, high supervision will be important to achieve this credit.

Y 2.2 Construction Waste Management, Divert 75%

1 Refer to credit 2.1. 75% waste diversion is desired.

Low - Medium



? 3.1 Resource Reuse, Specify 5%

1 To obtain this credit atleast 5% of building materials must consist of salvaged, refurbished or reused materials. This credit may be difficult to obtain considering that it is a laboratory. There may however be several opportunities to use recycled floor surfaces and plywood. A list of suppliers of such recycled materials should be compiled. Many of these products will cost significantly more.

High

? 3.2 Resource Reuse, Specify 10%

1 Although a resource reuse of this magnitude will be desired, it does not seem reasonable to achieve as of now. After the recycled material product list is compiled, a better idea of this percentage can be obtained.

High

N 4.1 Recycled Content, Specify 25%

1 To obtain this credit materials with recycled content such that the sum of the post-consumer recycled content plus one-half of the post-industrial content constitutes at least 5% of the total value of the materials in the project. Because the use of crushed brick, concrete and asphalt is not considered in this catagory, id does not seem possible to achieve such a high recycled content percentage.

N 4.2 Recycled Content, Specify 50%

1 Refer to credit 4.1. Pecentage not achievable as result of building type.



Y 5.1 Local/Regional Materials, 20% Manufactured Locally

1 To obtain this credit a minimum of 20% of building materials and products must be manufactured regionally within a radius of 500 miles. To achieve this incorporate regional materials early in the design phase. Research can be done of the regionally sourced and manufactured materials and those materials should be specified. The 20% achievement should be obtained with no additional cost association. All steel, concrete, brick are obtained within a 100 mile radius. Also, a large portion of the mechanical and electrical materials are manufactured within a 200 mile radius. The additional cost associated to recieve this credit would be from compiling a list of materials and location manufactured as well as calculations.

Very Minimal

Y 5.2 Local/Regional Materials, of 20% Above, 50% Harvested Locally

1 This credit can be obtained by having 50% of the above 20% regionally manufactured materials, also being harvested within that same 500 mile radius. All concrete, brick and steel is manufactured as well as harvested inside the 500 mile radius. That alone should accumulate in 50% of the 20%. However, to achieve this goal, a detailed list compiled of material, cost, manufactureing location and harvesting location will need to be done. This is all done at low cost addition.

Very Minimal

N 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials

1 To obtain this credit rapidly renewable building materials and products (made from plants that are typically harvested within a ten-year cycle or shorter) for 5% of the total value of all building materials and products used in the project. These types of materials do not seem appropriate for the design of this type of project. It will not be persued.



Y 7 Certified Wood 1 To obtain this credit a minimum of 50% of wood-based materials and products, certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council's Principles and Criteria, for wood building components including , but not limited to, structural framing and gerneral dimensional framing, flooring, finishes, furnishings, and nonrented temporary construction applications such as bracing, concrete form work and pedestrian barriers. To achieve this, research will be needed to specify casework, flooring door and trim providers that are certified. To fully acquire the 50% necessary, a necessary percentage of formwork and temporary construction applications will also need to be certified. It can be assumed that the casework and flooring materials certified will add cost. The exact cost association will need to be computed.

Medium


5


2




Indoor Environmental Quality

15 Possible Pts.

Y, N, ?

Credit Name pts

Pre 1 Minimum IAQ Performance

Req. To meet this prerequisite the minimum requirements of voluntary consensus standard ASHRAE 62-1999, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, must be met using the Ventilation Rate Procedure. Because of the use of VAV control throughout the building, the standard requirements are already met. This information must be compiled to submit.

None

Pre 2 Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control

Req. This prerequisite requires zero exposure of non-smokers to ETS. This is already achieved. The entire building prohibits smoking in the building.

None

Y 1 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Monitoring

1 To obtain this credit, install a permanent carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring system that provides feedback on space ventilation performance in a form that affords operational adjustments with accordance of ASHRAE 62-2001, Appendix D. The monitoring system of carbon dioxide is not currently included in design, however the addition of such a system could be made at a low addition in cost. In many cases an upgrade would need to be made in the VAV boxes as well as the Building automated system. The cost association of this credit will be based on the upgrade cost of this system.

Low

N 2 Increase Ventilation Effectiveness

1 To obtain this credit, ventilation systems must result in an air change effectiveness greater than or equal to 0.9 as determined by ASHRAE 129-1997. This magnitude of air change effectiveness cannot be obtained from this particular mechanical system



? 3.1 Construction IAQ Management Plan, During Construction

1 To obtain this credit, an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan must be developed and implemented for the construction and pre-occupancy phases of the building. It must meet the recommended design approaches of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association (SMACNA) IAQ guideline for occupied buildings under construction. On-site or installed materials must be protected from moisture damage. Each air filter used during construction must have a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 8 and those filters must be replaced immediately prior to occupancy. This type of plan is achievable. A detailed plan must be developed and followed. The cost addition of developing such a plan would be low, but the cost of following such a plan could be moderate.

Medium

Y 3.2 Construction IAQ Management Plan, Before Occupancy

1 To obtain this credit, an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan must be developed and implemented for the pre-occupancy phase. After construction ends and prior to occupancy a minimum two-week buiding flush-out with new MERV 13 filtration media at 100% outside air. Filtration media will need to be replaced unless solely processing outside air. This is very obtainable. The building will be finished in the summer and will have ample time for the required 2-week flush out period. A flush out procedure will need to be developed and indoor air quality testing procedure made. The specifications of the commissioning of this building requires these same indoor air quality tests. The added cost of this credit will be in the developement of the flush out procedure. This cost should be medium.

Medium



Y 4.1 Low-Emitting Materials, Adhesives & Sealants

1 To obtain this credit, the VOC content of adhesives and sealants used must be less than the current VOC content limits of (SCAQMD) Rule #1168, and all sealants used as fillers must meet or exceed the requirements of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District Regulation 8, Rule 51. To achieve this, include in the specifications low-VOC materials and ensure that the VOC limits are clearly stated in each section where adhesives and sealants are addressed. This would involve a small addition to each specification section where these materials are used. A list of suppliers should be compiled that meet these requirementsThe added cost of using such materials are slightly higher than materials that do not meet these VOC limits. The added cost throughout the building will be medium.

Medium

Y 4.2 Low-Emitting Materials, Paints

1 To obtain this credit VOC emissions from paints and coatings must not exceed the VOC and chemical component limits of Green Seal's Standard GS-11 requirements. Simlilar to credit 4.1, this limitation must be included in the construction documents and specified. A list of suppliers should be compiled that meet these requirements. The cost increase from the use of these materials will be higher than normal paints, but not significantly. The cost association is determined as medium.

Medium

Y 4.3 Low-Emitting Materials, Carpet

1 To obtain this credit carpet systems must meet or exceed the requirements of the Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label Indoor Air Quality Test Program. Simlilar to credit 4.1, this limitation must be included in the construction documents and specified. A list of suppliers should be compiled that meet these requirements. The cost increase from the use of these materials will be higher than normal carpets, but not significantly. The cost association is determined as medium.

Medium



Y 4.4 Low-Emitting Materials, Composite Wood

1 To obtain this credit composite wood and agrifiber products must contain no added urea-formaldehyde resins. Simlilar to credit 4.1, this limitation must be included in the construction documents and specified. A list of suppliers should be compiled that meet these requirements. The cost increase from the use of these materials will be higher than normal composite woods, but not significantly. The cost association is determined as medium.

Medium

Y 5 Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control

1 To obtain this credit, design to minimize pollutant cross-contamination of regularly occupied areas. Employ permanent entryway systems to capture dirt, particulates, etc. from entering the building at all high volume entryways. Where chemical use occurs, provide segregated area with deck to deck partitions. Provide drains plumbed for appropriate disposal of liquid waste in spaces where water and chemical concentrate mixing occurs. This is the case with all laboratory spaces in the building. Separate plumbing is specified to distribute of chemicals environmentaly. Also separate exhaust systems exist for the laboratory spaces. Special design will need to be made at the entry ways to protect the entryways from particles. To achieve this credit a compiled list of the drawings showing the required partitions and entryways. Because it is not completely known exactly what will need to be redesigned, the cost association for this credit will be assumed to be high.

Medium - High



? 6.1 Controllability of Systems, Perimeter

1 To obtain this credit at least an average of one operable window and one lighting control zone per 200 square feet should be provided for all regularly occupied areas within 15 feet of the perimeter wall. The use of operable windows interferes with the efficiency of the VAV system designed. To adjust for this, sensors could be placed on the windows to notify the system and send the system into an economical operation setting. The cost of altering this system may be too high for the desired leed certification desired.

Very High

? 6.2 Controllability of Systems, Non-Perimeter

1 To obtain this credit controls must be provided for each individual for airflow, temperature and lighting for atleast 50% of the occupants in the non-perimeter, regularly occupied areas. This credit is appropriate for the type of mechanical system used, however the controls of this system are maintained outside of each individual classroom. The adjustment of this system in order to obtain this credit would result in a very high cost. This type of change might not be appropriate for the desired certification rating.

Very High

Y 7.1 Thermal Comfort, Comply with ASHRAE 55-1992

1 To obtain this credit, comply with ASHRAE Standard 55-1992, Addenda 1995, for the thermal comfort standards including humidity control within established ranges per climate zone. This credit is accomplished by the VAV system already designed. It is possible in this system to monitor and adjust temperatures and humidy levels for each zone in the building. Because this system exists there is no added cost association.

None



Y 7.2 Thermal Comfort, Permanent Monitoring System

1 To obtain this credit, Install a permanent temperature and humidity monitoring system configured to provide operators control over thermal comfort performance and the effectiveness of humidification and/ or dehumidification systems in the building. Again, as designed in the VAV system in the building, the monitoring system can automatically adjust temperatures and humidy in each particular zone. Because this system exists there is no added cost association.

None

? 8.1 Daylight & Views, Daylight 75% of Spaces

1 To obtain this credit a minimum daylight factor of 2% in 75% of all space occupied for critical visual tasks must be achieved. The existing design maximizes internal daylighting. The exact percentage of this daylighting is unknown. Predictions of daylighting via calculations can be done to fully the percent of daylighting obtained. It can be assumed that the daylighting in most classrooms and laboratory spaces is very high due to the large window surface area. If the minimum daylight factor is not achieved, window size can be increased. Without knowing the exact daylight factor existing, the cost addition cannot be assumed. However, the cost to increase window size in each interior space could be quite moderate.

Medium

? 8.2 Daylight & Views, Views for 90% of Spaces

1 Refer to credit 8.1 High


3


10




Innovation & Design Process

To provide design teams and projects the opportunity to be awarded points for exceptional performance above the requirements set by the LEED Green Building Rating System and/or innovative performance in Green Building categories not specifically addressed by the Leed Green Building Rating System

Y, N, ?

Credit Name pts

Y 1.1 Innovation in Design, Green Building Education

1 To obtain this credit, a strategy must be made to increase Green Building Education. This strategy will consist of a website and tours offered. Also, at several different points througout the building signs will display the significance of different Green design items. This type of strategy can be made at a very low cost. More than likely tours and a website can be performed by the students in the environmental committee at the University. The cost of the added display signs will be the only additional cost association as well as educating the environmental committee to pass on the information.

Low

N 1.2 Innovation in Design, Specific Title

1 This credit could be obtained by presenting a requirement fullfilled above and beyond the leed credit minimum. No additional innovation credit is being persued.

1.3 Innovation in Design, Specific Title


1.4 Innovation in Design, Specific Title




N 2 LEED Accredited Professional

1 This credit is not persued, however by simply employing a Leed Accredited Professional, another credit can be achieved. It would be a very good investment for any company to hire a professional or pay for the accredidation for an employee. The costs association with employing such a professional could be looked at as no cost, depending on the number of Leed rated projects persued. This professional could be involved in all aspects of the Leed rating persuit.


1


1




Alternative Structure Analysis

Executive Summary

With the prices of steel today skyrocketing, there has become an increased emphasis

in concrete design wherever possible. In an effort to reduce cost and explore the benefits of

steel and concrete design, I will develop an alternative cast in place concrete structure to fit

the needs of the Science and Technology building. In this analysis I will look at cost,

schedule and constructability. Generally, Steel and Concrete are related inversely with

regards to labor and material. In concrete construction, typically the cost of materials is very

low but the labor is very intense so the price is high. On the other hand, steel material prices

are typically very high but the labor cost of erecting is very low. So the cost usually evens

out unless steel is available locally in which the price is low, or on the other hand, unskilled

labor is available locally in which concrete price is low.

Purpose

• To design a cast-in-place concrete structural system for the Science and

Technology Building as an alternate of the previously designed Steel

structure.



• To compare the cost and schedule for the new alternate structural system

• To look at the pros and cons of each system in relation to the Building at

hand.

Goal

• To design an alternate concrete structural system that will save money and

that will not extend the construction schedule significantly.

Design

The alternate structural system will consist of cast-in-place multi-span joist slab

with load bearing columns. This system will work perfectly due to the average

bay size of 30’ x 30’. Because of the added weight superimposed by the concrete

and the fact that it is a laboratory, a design for 125 pounds/ sq. ft. should be

adequate. The slab thickness will be 5” with rib depth’s of 14” @ 18” off center.

The column sizes will vary depending on steel size, but will range from 20” to

26”.

Analysis

Intro

At first glance, the steel structural system with cast-in-place slabs and fireproofing is

estimated at $1,486,452. That makes the cost/sq. ft. for a steel superstructure to be $19.56.

The alternate cast-in-place concrete system based on Mean’s averages goes for $15.75/ sq. ft.

That’s a pre-estimated savings of $289,560 or $3.81/ sq. ft.

Ceiling Height

The height per floor is set at 15’4” with a finished ceiling height of 10’4”. That

allows for 5’ of MEP work above ceiling which is necessary for the steel structure due to the

2’ height of the joists. With the proposed Multi-span joist slab, 5” of added space can be



saved. This extra area could allow for the ceiling height to be moved up to a height of 10’9”

or could give that added cushion of room for the chaotic MEP laboratory work.

Estimate

Type quantity unit unit price cost

Cast in place floor slab 6" 28000 sq. ft 518.5 CY 325 $168,512.50Cast in place slab 5" 41500 sq. ft 640.4 CY 325 $208,130.00 $0.00Cast in place ribs 14"x 3" 41500 sq. ft 299 CY 325 $97,175.00 $0.00Cast in place beams 16" 760 ln. ft 50 CY 325 $16,250.00Cast in place beams 18" 1520 ln. ft 126.7 CY 325 $41,177.50Cast in place beams 20" 710 ln. ft 73 CY 325 $23,725.00 $0.00Cast in place Columns 20" 1632 ln. ft 168 CY 325 $54,600.00Cast in place Columns 24" 1920 ln. ft 284 CY 325 $92,300.00steel reinforcement Cast in place formwork Total $701,870.00

This total does not include all of the reinforcement necessary although some is included in

the unit price. Also, formwork is not included.

Concrete Frame Benefits

Fire Protection

For concrete structures fire protection is generally not needed as the material has inherent

fire resistance of up to 4 hours. This removes the time, cost and separate trade required for

fire protection.

Vibration

The inherent mass of concrete means that concrete floors generally meet vibration criteria

at no extra cost without any extra stiffening. For more stringent criteria, such as for



laboratories or hospital operating theatres, the additional cost to meet vibration criteria is

small compared to other structural materials.

Exposed Soffit

A concrete structure has a high thermal mass. By exposing the soffits this can be utilised

through fabric energy storage (FES) to reduce initial plant costs and ongoing operational

costs. Furthermore, the cost of suspended ceilings can be reduced or eliminated.

Net “Lettable” Area

The difference in net “lettable” area provided by different solutions for a building can be of

significant value. While concrete structures may have larger columns, finishing is not

necessarily required and typically columns below 0.25m2 are not deducted from net

“lettable” area. Reduction in column size can be achieved by the use of high strength

concrete.

Concrete structures have reduced floor-to-floor heights, hence fewer steps between floors

and less plan area. Alongside these, RC shear walls are narrower than braced steel frames.

Therefore, the stair/stability core area is minimized freeing up more net “lettable” area.

Whole Life Value

Concrete's range of inherent benefits fabric energy storage, fire resistance, sound insulation

means that concrete buildings tend to have lower operating costs and lower maintenance

requirements. This is an important consideration for owner-occupiers.

Conclusion

From the initial look at the cost data, it looks as if the cost will be significantly less

than with the steel system. However, the alternate design did not take into account that

there will be numerous penetrations in the concrete. This will require several additional

columns inserted near penetrations. This added design adds extra cost. Another impact that

the concrete system could have is on the foundation system. The system currently designed,



is not designed to support the added loads of concrete beams, girders and columns. The

adjustment in schedule necessary from a cast in place structure would be significant. Expect

the presently designed steel structure to be erected in 65 days and to finish slab on elev.

Deck within another 40 days for a total of 105 days. The concrete system will take roughly

120 days. The difference is that the concrete will not have lead time like the steel will. So

the concrete structure can start going up as the steel would normally be procured. This has

potential to start the superstructure several months early. However, in the case of this

building, the foundation system is very time consuming. This limits the time that the

superstructure can go up early. Thus, in terms of saving on procurement times, the building

does not have great benefits. The main purpose of this analysis was to reduce cost while

reducing schedule. It was clear that the cost can be reduced. The schedule however cannot

be reduced significantly, therefore the concrete alternate system is not reasonable.

The Science and Technology Building Slippery Rock, Butler, Pa


Schedule Acceleration Analysis

Executive Summary

The existing design schedule for the Slippery Rock Science and Technology Building

calls for a 517 calendar day schedule. That consists of a 371 workday schedule that starts at

the notice to proceed date, June 16, 2004 and ends on January 4, 2006. This project will be

done just in time for the spring semester in the 2005-2006 school year. When the original

schedule was discussed with the owner, they expressed that this project is long overdue. The

pursuit of this project began in 1998 and the hope was to have the building by the Fall

semester of 2002. Because of funding delays the projects design did not start until February

of 2001. The University has long been awaiting this building and expressed a immediate

need for students and faculty.

The purpose of this analysis is to achieve the building occupancy by the Fall semester

of 2005. By accelerating the schedule and occupying the building an entire semester early,

many people are pleased. First and most important the University has access to another

facility. This facility allows for the much needed office space. This facility provides

additional curriculums, which leads to student satisfaction. An additional semester for a

student can increase their education significantly. This type of laboratory facility provides a

much more hands on type of learning atmosphere. A type of learning atmosphere that is not

easily possible in the existing Vincent Science Building. This existing building is very

outdated and does not provide students with the type of technology needed in this



technology demanding world of education. Another aspect of the early construction date is

University advertisement. With a brand new high technology facility, far more students are

attracted to this University, increasing student enrollment. At the end of this analysis, it will

be apparent that the cost is significantly increased, however with these types of benefits; this

additional cost is well worth it.

To occupy the building a semester early this will require an acceleration of 96 work

days. This will also allow for an extra week for University moving in. At first glance

accelerating the schedule by 25% does not seem achievable, but by employing certain

scheduling tactics this can be achievable. In this analysis, I will look at the buildings site

layout and adjust it to improve work efficiency. I also plan on adjusting the schedule by

overlapping, extra crews and additional shifts.

Site Layout

From discussions with several contractors at this site, it became a common

occurrence that the site was too congested in certain areas, making work efficiency decrease.

Often deliveries were delayed due to the fact that there was only one site delivery entrance.

Trucks would literally have to wait in line. This congestion simply should not occur since

there is ample space. When developing the site layout many factors were over looked. The

main change I proposed for the site layout was to include two additional site entrances. This

will prevent many of the problems currently occurring. Another change made was opening

up the parking lot adjacent to the Spotts World Cultures Building. The University expressed

that this parking area was used very infrequently because of the present construction. By

occupying this added space for trailer’s and some contractor parking, some of the main

congestion areas could be opened up for delivery lanes and material storage.

Drawing/ Construction Documents/ Submittal Review

Many construction management firms lately have increased the scope of their work

by adding Document Review branches to their companies. The type of work performed by

these companies is exactly what the name specifies, document review. Companies will take

the completed drawings and look for many different things. First the company will check



for completeness. Often when architect firms are pressured to meet a deadline, several areas

of the drawings are unclear or incomplete. These unclear sections result in countless RFI’s.

Often these RFI’s become change orders. RFI’s and change orders can be very costly in

terms of schedule especially with a DGS run project. This is because the process involves

the changing of hands several times. An RFI must go from the contractor to the DGS site

inspector. It then goes to the DGS site manager, who then relays it to the DGS project

manager who then relays it to the architect. These steps can take weeks to get even simple

answers. Change orders can take much longer. In a demanding construction schedule there

is no time for these types of delays. By having a plan review, many of these RFI’s and

change orders can be prevented. In addition to plan review, submittal review can also

prevent delays. Because of the technology requirements and specifications, thousands of

submittals will be processed. There is no way that all of these submittals will be checked.

When submittals are not checked and equipment is delivered only to be rejected onsite,

delays occur. By checking these submittals, costly delays can be prevented.

Another function of a submittal/ plan check activity could be an investigation of

lead time materials. This type of investigation is not typically done but for this type of

facility it could prove to be very important. Many times during construction the first several

days specified for a particular process, the contractor will be waiting on material. This can

be prevented by investigating what types of materials have longer lead times. In my

experience casework, is often delayed because the order was not placed early enough to

allow for the needed lead time. This building has a significant amount of casework.

Preventing schedule delay does not necessarily accelerate the schedule. When the

present schedule was discussed with several contractors, time durations were often increased

slightly about what is actually needed to allow for any changes and delays resulting from

unclear documents. By clearing up the documents in advance, contractors can adjust their

individual schedule accordingly.

Additional Crew/ Shifts

The addition of crews and shifts can prove to be quite costly when changed during

construction. This analysis is looking at ways to accelerate schedule prior to bid. By



including in the project summary prior to bid the schedule duration, each contractor will

need to assume each processes duration. This will cause contractors to assume extra crews.

Adding extra crews increases cost and decreases duration. When calculating the extra cost

associated, the cost of labor per day increases however the number of days decreases. The

problem is however, that often two crews does not mean twice as much productivity so one

cannot simply divide the duration in half and double the crew and the cost will even out.

Rather the productivity level decreases and adding an additional crew decreases process

duration by 40%. In many cases, contractors are very willing to double a crew in order to

get in and out of a project faster to move on to another project. For them revenue is

increased significantly from accelerated schedules.

Key Schedule Reduction Areas

In order to reduce the schedule by four months and not significantly increase the

cost in every contract, I plan on concentrating on specific processes that occupy the majority

of duration. To look at this schedule as a whole, the entire building is scheduled to take

eighteen months. Ten of these eighteen months result in the basic superstructure alone. To

reduce this duration by even 30%, a 3 month savings will occur. The whole idea of

accelerating the schedule during interior work is that every trade is affected, leading to

increased cost by all trades. To accelerate the schedule during the beginning of construction

where only one or two trades are involved, will only increase the cost by one or two trades.

Also, the earlier in the construction phase the less overlapping of activities. With this said,

each activity has to wait until the activity is done beforehand. Initially the plumbing

contractor will need to double its crew to install the necessary storm sewer and underground

components. This three month process alone can save a little over one month. The cost

association of doubling the crew size shows:

3 man crew x 8 hr work day x 60 day duration = 1440 man hours

3 man crew x 2 crews x 8 hr work day x 35 day duration = 1680 man hours



Assuming an average labor cost per hour at $30 the added crew only results in a

$7200 increase in cost plus the cost of extra equipment.

The foundation system affects only the general contractor. The foundation system is also a

three month process. By doubling its crew and equipment, the foundation schedule can also

be reduced by a little over one month. These crews instead of working from left to right,

will now start at each end and work their way in. Added crews require additional

coordination. However, at this point only the two crews will be working on site, so this

should not be a problem. The cost of adding this crew can be seen below:

6 man crew x 8 hr work day x 60 day duration = 2880 man hours

6 man crew x 2 crews x 8 hr work day x 35 day duration = 3360 man hours

Assuming an average labor cost per hour at $30 the added crew only results in a

$14,400 increase in cost plus the cost of extra equipment.

By simply altering two contractors in less than five percent of their total work, over

two months have been saved. Another process that can be significantly shortened is steel

erection. Presently there is one crane used on site and it relocates to three separate spots

during erection. The entire duration of this activity is 64 work days, a calendar duration of 3

months. If this activity was altered to include the use of 2 cranes and 2 crews this activity as

well could be reduced by yet another whole month plus a week. The cost of this addition is

the same as the foundation crew addition plus the cost of the extra crane. The cost per

crane be assumed at $1000/day per crane. So the added crane will result in an added cost of

$10,000. The cost of the added equipment above for the foundation and underground

plumbing can be assumed at another total addition of $8000.

In nine months worth of schedule, already from only 3 processes, over 3 months of

schedule have been eliminated and at a combined added cost of $54,000. This price will

prove to be quite an inexpensive tradeoff with an entire added semester of occupancy.



Of course these three activities alone will reduce schedule by three months and three

weeks, however due to the initial and small overlapping, the schedule reduction will be

assumed to be only three months, which is one month shy of the necessary reduction of four

months. To cut out another month each other contractor could be expected to accelerate

their schedule by 10%. This is a very minimal increase can be explained below.

8 man electrical crew x 9 months work(180 days) x 40 hrs a week x $30/hr

=$1,728,000

9 man electrical crew x 8.2 months work (162 days) x 40 hrs a week x $30/hr

=$1,749,600

By assuming that adding 10% more members to a crew, that results in a 10%

reduction in schedule, a cost increase of 1.3% can be assessed to the cost of labor.

Conclusion

To conclude this analysis, the reduction of the schedule was extremely easy and cost

efficient to do at the beginning processes in construction when the activities do not have

overlap. I was able to reduce the schedule by three months while at the same time adding

only $54,000. An additional cost of roughly $100,000 can be assessed from the calculated

1.3% cost increase from a 10% reduction in schedule from each other trade. That brings a

grand total of $154,000 to reduce the schedule four months. This total is very low in the

owners point of view because of the enormous benefits of occupying the building an entire

semester early.



References

U.S. Green Building Council Website. http://www.usgbc.org Sustainable Building Sourcebook Website. http://www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/Rainwater.html Greener Buildings http://www.greenerbuildings.com R.S. Means Facilities Construction Data. 2005. R.S. Means Square Foot Costs. 2005. Water Management Supplement, Albert R. Jarrett, Ph.D., P.E., P.L.S. Agricultural and Biological Engineering. The Pennsylvania State University. Consulting – Specifying – Engineer http://www.csemag.com U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Website http://www.epa.gov Kohler Website http://www.kohler.com Sherwin-Williams Website http://www.sherwinwilliams.com Oikos Waterless Toilet Website http://www.oikos.com



Appendix A



Appendix B



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