Improving the Built Environment through Research, Design, and Technology

LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance

 

LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (LEED for Existing Buildings: O&M) is a rating system developed by the US Green Building Council. The LEED for Existing Buildings: O&M rating system is a tool that promotes increased overall performance in buildings while cutting operating costs and improves working conditions for all tenants and building staff while becoming nationally recognized for demonstrating a commitment to the environment. The system can be used in single or multitenant commercial , multifamily, mixed use and other buildings that have been operating for longer than two years.

Steven Winter Associates, Inc. can assist clients in achieving LEED for Existing Buildings: O&M ratings, through our ability to perform all aspects of the certification: technical auditing, commissioning, certification, O & M policy implementation, training in all sectors (waste management, health and safety, policies, engineering) and documentation to support building owners, managers and project teams. Our long-standing commitment to the built environment and expertise in building science, sustainability and LEED rating systems gives us the extensive toolbox necessary for pursuing LEED for Existing Buildings: O&M certification.

LEED EB project typically follow a three stage process:

1) Feasibility: The goal of this stage is to create an overview of where the building ranks in terms of the LEED for Existing Buildings: O&M rating system and when it would be feasible to submit a full application to the USGBC for certification. The building is assessed for compliance with the mandatory prerequisites of the rating system through a building walk-through and questionnaire. A debriefing meeting occurs along with a report that informs the building management of the building’s standing in the rankings along with suggested improvements that would need to take place in the second stage of the process. There is also an identification of relevant grants and incentives that the building can take advantage of in the second stage.

2) Building Audit and LEED Compliance: The goal of the second phase is to conduct a full-scale audit of the building’s operations and systems to ensure compliance or target specific improvements that are necessary with LEED certification. The audit will result in a scope of work for the necessary building improvements. The recommended improvements are explained and analyzed for cost-benefit and green efficiency benefits. This stage also includes calculations necessary for all relevant LEED credits, identification of grants and incentives, policy development for all relevant LEED credits and training for all operations and maintenance staff and tenants.

3) LEED Documentation/Certification: The goal of this phase is LEED certification This is accomplished through communication with the USGBC to clarify any outstanding concerns along with the preparation and submission of all necessary paperwork for LEED certification.

More details and copies of the LEED for Existing Buildings: O&M Checklist and accompanying Rating System can be found on the USGBC’s LEED for Existing Buildings: O&M webpage. You can also email LEEDEB@swinter.com.

Current LEED-EBOM projects include: