1. Describe the advantages of an integrated design approach for the delivery of high performance buildings, including how they can potentially reduce the initial costs of a "green" project.
2. A potential client wants to build an office building in the northern part of the United States (e.g., Southfield, Michigan), where cold winters and hot summers are common every year. The total site area can accommodate any shape and orientation of the building. The client is very interested in having the building certified by LEED, and the client is asking your advice on the matter of green building economics. The client is concern that the design and construction of the building will create additional costs that are not likely found in conventional buildings.
a. Briefly explain to the client what type of "extra" costs they will likely incur and why [note: limit the answer of this question to cost only. See next question to differentiate both answers]
b. (continues from previous question) what is the business case you would present to the owner to offset these costs? That is, what benefits the client will likely have by seeking LEED Certification? Would you propose any alternatives to the ultimate goal of the project?
Assume that you work for "Greenest-of-all," (GOA) a general contractor that is seeking to be involved in the construction of an office building. The owner is looking for a third party certification for the building (e.g., LEED) and you are brought to the project during the design phase. The owner hires "We-Check-It, LLC" (WCI) at the beginning of the design phase to be in charge of the commissioning process, which consist of all mechanical HVAC systems (do not consider commissioning of water systems or building envelope).
a. Describe how the inclusion of the Commissioning Authority (CxA) will likely affect GOA's scope of work and schedule in the project
b. How the commissioning process will affect the scope of work of the subcontractors? Would that affect the quote (price) of the subcontractors and the cost of GOA personnel?
c. Briefly describe the credits the commissioning process will likely affect in the certification of the building.