A new pilot program helps developers of small projects pursue LEED certification.
While 97% of all new building starts in the U.S. are less than 50,000 square feet, many developers of small commercial projects don’t pursue LEED certification because of the costs.
But a new pilot program by Brian Lynch of Earth Advantage and Spencer Moersfelder of the Energy Trust of Oregon is aimed at helping developers more easily achieve certification.
“High-cost elements such as commissioning the building, energy modeling and documentation drafting make it hard for small commercial developers,” Lynch said. “What we are trying to do with this pilot is reduce those soft costs as much as possible and pass those costs on to us.”
Through the pilot program, Energy Trust will offer $2,500 for early design assistance, $0.10 per square foot for implementing design process strategies outlined in the Oregon edition of the Core Performance Guide, and $0.30 to $1 per square foot for implementing enhanced performance strategies outlined in the guide.
Read the full story at the Daily Journal of Commerce.
{biztweet}Oregon LEED certification{/biztweet}
