Page 261 - Green Building Through Integrated Design

CONSTRUCTION 237

14 Have we documented this training, for future staff, and adequately enough for the
enhanced commissioning LEED credit?
15 Have we prepared a systems and operations manual for this building, according to
the LEED enhanced commissioning credit requirements?
16 Have we provided sensors and data collection for measurement and verification of
key energy and water using systems?
17 Can we certify the building prior to occupancy, by having a commissioning con-
tract in place? When do we have to finish all project documentation to accomplish
this goal?
18 Are we going to finish the project on time, on budget and with the LEED rating
we are expecting?

Without the talent and ingenuity of the general contractor, it’s almost impossible
to deliver high-performance buildings such as very large LEED Platinum projects
(Fig. 13.2).
Michael Deane is manager of sustainable construction for Turner Construction
Company, the nation’s largest commercial building contractor. He speaks to the impor-
tance of the general contractor in the integrated design process in this way.*

As contractors, we know a lot about constructability. We know a lot about which
materials are low-emitting, have recycled content and are available locally, as well as
what systems are energy- and water-efficient. We also know a lot about costs and

Bank of America
Empire State Tower
Building
(under construction)

Figure 13.2 Imagine building the world’s largest LEED-Platinum project in the
crowded confines of New York’s Times Square area, and you’ll appreciate how
much contractors bring to each LEED project certification. © Photography by Cook+Fox,
courtesy of Cook+Fox Architects.

*Interview with Michael Deane, Turner Construction Company, March 2008.