Initial Considerations
Step 1:
Evaluate LEED Prerequisites
The LEED rating system includes seven
mandatory prerequisites, which apply to all
projects. As such, it is useful for project teams to
assess the prerequisites as a first priority in order to
determine how compliance will be achieved.
Example
Table 2-1 summarizes the cost impacts identified
for each of the seven prerequisites in the "Low-
Cost" Gold-rated Courthouse model of the GSA
LEED Cost Study. As the table indicates, five of the
seven prerequisites are expected to be earned at no
additional cost due to GSA's existing design
requirements and building commissioning
protocols. In addition, the Erosion and
Sedimentation Control prerequisite (under the
Sustainable Sites category) is expected to be
achieved with no cost impact.
Figure 2-2. Recycling room storage at the U.S. EPA
The one item identified as having a potential "low
New England Regional Laboratory, Chelmsford,
cost" impact is EQ Prerequisite 2: Environmental
Massachusetts. Dedicated recycling collection and
Tobacco Smoke Control. Most GSA projects will
storage areas meeting the LEED Materials and
achieve this credit at no cost by prohibiting
Resources Prerequisite are required through GSA's P100
smoking within the building and at the building
Design Standards. (Photo: Don Horn)
exterior near entryways, operable windows, or air
intakes. GSA standards and Executive Order
13058 do, however, currently allow for smoking
rooms in federal facilities (e.g., at Judge's
Chambers in a Courthouse). Per P100, smoking
rooms in GSA buildings are to be operated under
negative pressure and exhausted directly to the
outdoors, which is consistent with LEED
requirements. A cost premium is expected,
however, to provide tracer gas testing for each
designated smoking room--this is a LEED
requirement that is not part of the P100 guidelines.
Application to GSA Projects
The cost classifications identified in Table 2-1 are
expected to apply to most GSA projects.
GSA LEED APPLICATIONS GUIDE
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