IPc1: Integrative Process – Above Green

(1-2 points)

Intent

To maximize opportunities for cost-effective adoption of integrative green design and construction strategies.

Requirements

Option 1. Integrative project team (1 point)

Assemble and involve a project team to meet the three criteria below:

a) Include team members whose capabilities include at least three of the following skill sets:

architecture or residential building design;
mechanical or energy engineering;
building science or performance testing;
green building or sustainable design; and
civil engineering, landscape architecture, habitat restoration, or land-use planning.

b) Involve all team members referenced above in at least three of the following phases of the home design and construction process:

conceptual or schematic design;
LEED planning;
preliminary design;
energy and envelope systems analysis or design;
design development;
final design, working drawings or specifications; and
construction.

c) Conduct meetings with the project team at least monthly to review project status, introduce new team members to project goals, discuss problems, formulate solutions, review responsibilities, and identify next steps.

AND/OR

Option 2. Design charrette (1 point)

No later than the design development phase and preferably during schematic design, conduct at least one full-day workshop (or two half-day workshops) with the project team, as defined in Option 1. Use the workshop to integrate green strategies across all aspects of the building design, drawing on the expertise of all participants.

AND/OR

Option 3. Trades training (1 point)

Before construction but after trades have been hired for the project, conduct at least eight hours of training (extending a full day or over several days) on the green aspects of the project and how the trades can contribute to achieving each LEED for Homes prerequisite and attempted credit. Focus on areas where trades have traditionally struggled to meet green building standards. Include at least the following trades in the training:

plumbing;
mechanical systems;
insulation;
framing; and
air sealing.

Each trade may be present only for the relevant segment, but the builder’s site supervisor must be present throughout so that he or she understands the quality control duties on LEED and green building best practices.