leed certification/sustainability

To serve our many clients who are interested in attaining LEED Certification for their projects, we have more than a dozen estimators and project leaders in our preconstruction program with LEED Accredited Professional designation from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Whether the goal is to get a project certified or grab the “low-hanging fruit” of sustainable construction, owners need to evaluate cost impacts for sustainable measures. If you bring together LEED AP designers and estimators during preconstruction, an owner can weigh the costs, benefits and criteria of sustainability.

The cost of sustainability has a complex answer. Some sustainable products are available at little or no cost premium over standard methods and materials. Some offer payback over the life cycle of the project, but come with a higher initial cost. In order for a project to become LEED Certified, there are some added costs including registration costs, design costs, construction administration costs and commissioning costs that are not normally included in a general building project. Depending on the level of certification desired—Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum—additional points are required that generally increase costs.

Q&D’s goal in preconstruction is to make sure an owner can identify the sustainable strategies with the greatest value.