Post on 25-Jan-2017
Dispelling Myths and Making Cents of Multifamily Green Building Certification
Meet Your Speakers
Kate HambletKEPHART Architects
Elizabeth GillmorEnergetic Consulting Engineers
Jeff SlaughUS-EcoLogic
Session Description
Green building certification is a great way to add value to a community for both owners and residents; however, it is often not pursued due to misconceptions that the process is too expensive and complicated. Plus, with so many certification programs out there, how do you decide which one to use? Join a panel of industry experts as they dispel some of the common myths about the complexity of certification as well as compare and contrast the costs and benefits of the most popular programs being used—including the National Green Building Standard (NGBS), Energy Star and LEED.
Session Learning Outcomes
• Understand the value and benefits green certification can add to a multifamily property, the costs involved in obtaining and the design and construction best practices to maximize return on investment.
• Learn how to shape the design process and documentation to reduce costs and ensure a smooth transition to construction.
• Explore the requirements of each program, and the incentives available to help offset costs including tax credits, expedited permitting and reduced permit fees.
• Learn how each certification program addresses building types, and how these differences will help you determine the best program to fit your needs.
Credit(s) earned on completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members upon completion of the AIA/CES Session Participation Forms found in the back of this session room and online at www.BuildersShow.com. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request. This course is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Professional Education
Myth Busters
“We don’t have time for that.”
“Sustainability people just don’t
understand construction
issues.”
“The process is WAY too restrictive.”
“Certification is just too
expensive.”
“The builder will totally
lose control of the
project.”
“Just meeting the energy
code is hard enough.” “All certifications
require solar panels.”
“All materials would be
more expensive.”
“$$$$$.”
“We would have to deal
with the Green Police.” “$$$$$.”
“$$$$$!!!”“Too many surprises!”
“Too much risk.”
WHY CERTIFY?
Internal Drivers
• QA for long-term owners / durability
• Builder/owner recognition
• Accountability and 3rd party review
• Save energy and energy costs
• Attract tenants
• Add value to building
External Drivers • Municipality required
• Special design agreements
• Expedited review and variance potential
• Impact fee reduction
• Investors, purchasers and/or lenders
• Tax credits and deductions
• NEW: Mortgage insurance premium reduction
Preferential Lending for Green Multifamily Projects
Translation:
$1,000,000 Loan50 25 MIP Basis Points:
Saves $208 per month = $2,500 per year
$10,000,000 Loan75 25 MIP Basis Points:
Saves $4,167 per month = $50,000 per year
179D• Up to $1.80/sf• Difficult for multifamily
45L• $2000 per unit
LIHTC• Low-Income Housing Tax
Credits• Additional state benefits
25D (Renewable Energy)• Solar, Wind, Geothermal
2016 Tax Credits For New Construction
What will we see in 2017??
PACE• Property Assessed Clean Energy• Finance improvements
MACRS• Modified Accelerated Cost
Recovery System (depreciation)
Residential Efficiency• Tax credit of 10% of cost for
upgrades
25D (Renewable Energy) • Solar, Wind, Geothermal
Other $$ BenefitsFor Renovations
What will we see in 2017??
• Low/no cost = willingness to partner
• Existing programs• Blaze the trail
• Expedited permitting review
• Variances in density or height
• Impact fee reduction
Talk to your municipality!
SO MANY OPTIONS
National Green Building Standard
LEED
Energy StarEnterprise
Green Communities
National Green Building Standard
• LEED For Homes• LEED Midrise• LEED Building Design
& Construction
• Energy Star for
Homes• Energy Star Multi-
Family High Rise
Enterprise Green
Communities
HOW TO CHOOSE (What is the best fit for you?)
• Project identity and target market?
• Demands of lender or preferential lending program, municipality, etc.?
• Experience: Programs done in past?
• TOD? Urban infill? Suburban? Greenfield? Competing Properties?
• Affordable vs. Market Rate vs. Mixed Use?
• Free points – what do you already have? (or be recognized for?)
• Townhomes, Garden, Wrap, Podium, High-rise?
Many Considerations
First Things First
NGBSEnergy Star for HomesEnergy Star MFHRLEED for HomesLEED MidriseLEED BD&CEGC
Low rise1-3 Stories
Mid rise4-8 Stories
High rise8+ Stories
Project Size is the first factor
NGBSEnergy Star for HomesEnergy Star MFHRLEED for HomesLEED MidriseLEED BD&CEGC
Low rise1-3 Stories
Mid rise4-8 Stories
High rise8+ Stories
Project Size is the first factor
NGBSEnergy Star for HomesEnergy Star MFHRLEED for HomesLEED MidriseLEED BD&CEGC
Low rise1-3 Stories
Mid rise4-8 Stories
High rise8+ Stories
Project Size is the first factor
NGBSEnergy Star for HomesEnergy Star MFHRLEED for HomesLEED MidriseLEED BD&CEGC
Low rise1-3 Stories
Mid rise4-8 Stories
High rise8+ Stories
NGBS
Energy Star MFHR
LEED Midrise (4-8 stories)
LEED BD&C (9+ stories)
EGC
NGBS
Energy Star for Homes
LEED for Homes
EGC
HANDY ENERGY STAR FLOW CHART
LEED BD&C
https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.nh_mfhr_bldg_eligibility
All programs generally have these categories:
• Design Process
• Location Resources
• Site
• Energy
• Indoor Air Quality
• Water
• Health & Wellness
• Materials / Waste Management
• Operations & Maintenance
• Awareness & Education
All programs generally have these categories:
• Design Process
• Location Resources
• Site
• Energy• Indoor Air Quality• Water
• Health & Wellness
• Materials / Waste Management
• Operations & Maintenance
• Awareness & Education
All projects also have these considerations:
• Energy & Building Codes
• Driving Factors (the “why”)
• Timeline & Progress
• Documentation Requirements
• Stand-out features to build
points around
• Building Design
• Construction
• Verification
• Benefits & Incentives
• Costs
All projects also have these considerations:
• Energy & Building Codes• Driving Factors (the “why”)
• Timeline & Progress• Documentation Requirements
• Stand-out features to build
points around
• Building Design
• Construction • Verification• Benefits & Incentives
• Costs
Building Codes
Things to think about
• Residential ventilation requirements
• Building tightness requirements
• Blower door testing and duct testing (2012 and
2015 IECC requires BD for low-rise)
• Will local code drive your energy baseline? Can
you beat it?
Air Quality
Residential Ventilation Differences
• Natural Ventilation Only is permitted:• NGBS
• Only if tested air-tightness is ≥ 5ACH @ 50pa
• Mechanical Ventilation is required:• LEED for Homes• LEED BD&C (New for LEED v.4 for R2 occupancy)• Energy Star for Homes• LEED Midrise• Energy Star MFHR (footnote #20 is gone)• EGC
• Exhaust-only OK in some climates
Your local code requirements will be a big driving factor!
Indoor Air
Quality
Volatile Materials
Exhaust
Measured airflows
Room by Room
pressure differentials
Radon
Allergens and clean
air (Construction)
Filtration
Energy
ENERGY – Compliance documentation?• Plan For Energy Modeling
• LEED Midrise • LEED BD&C • LEED for Homes (preferred path for Multifamily) • Energy Star for Homes
• Plan For Blower Door Testing • LEED for Homes• LEED Midrise• Energy Star for Homes• NGBS (not required, but preferred for Multifamily)
• Multiple Compliance Options• NGBS• LEED for Homes• Energy Star MFHR• EGC
ENERGY GOALS for Minimum ComplianceNGBS 15% better than IECC 2009 (prescriptive or performance)
LEED For Homes LEED Energy Budget or LEED “MMBTU Method” or HERS 70 (every unit)
LEED Midrise 5% better than ASHRAE 90.1-2010 (v4)
LEED BD&C 5% better than ASHRAE 90.1-2010 (v4)
EGC Meet Energy Star for Homes or MFHR
Energy Star for Homes Meet HERS Index Rating (varies – HERS Index Target Procedure)
Energy Star MFHR 15% better than YOUR code (prescriptive or performance)
MAKING IT WORK
Build Your Team(Getting started)
Your Team Needs:NGBS:
• A Verifier or Verifier Organization, and Energy Modeler (usually)http://www.homeinnovation.com/findngbsverifier
Energy Star: • Energy Star Trained Raters and Field Inspectors, Builders Who Complete Energy Star
Orientation, Accredited HVAC Installer and Accredited Commissioning Contractorhttps://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=new_homes_partners.locator&s=footer
Enterprise Green Communities:• EGC Consultant/Champion, Energy Star team, Energy Modeler (maybe)
http://www.enterprisecommunity.org/solutions-and-innovation/green-communities/tools-and-services/technical-assistance-providers-database
Your Team Needs:LEED BD&C:
• LEED Consultant/Champion, Energy Modeler, Commissioning Agent, and Dedicated Builder StaffLEED Provider Directory: http://www.usgbc.org/profile Building Commissioning Association: http://www.bcxa.org/
LEED Mid-rise and LEED for Homes: • LEED for Homes Provider Organization, Green Rater, HERS Rater and Energy
Modelerhttp://www.usgbc.org/people/green-raters
Your Team Needs:Energy Modelers:
• ASHRAE – BEMP – Building Energy Modeling Professionalhttp://report.ashrae.org/Certification/list?type=BEMP
• AEE (Association of Energy Engineers) – BESA – Building Energy Simulation Analysthttp://www.aeecenter.org/directory/
• RESNET Qualified professionalshttps://www.resnet.us/directory/search
Timeline and ProgressWhen is it too late?
A Smooth Path to CertificationDesign• Meet as whole
design team• Involve
Consultants • Iterative Process• Echo decisions in
writing for owner/architect for their approval
Documentation• Supply
inclusions• Plan review DDs
CDs and provide mark-ups and/or comments
• Specifications
Transition to Construction• OAC meetings
with site staff• Buy-outs• Informal
guidance narratives
• Overview of verification process
Construction• Meet with Sub-
contractors and site staff
• Provide overview of verification visits
• Provide reports to all stake holders after each visit
Cost Management(Nobody likes surprises)
Managing and Predicting Costs
• How to answer “How much does it cost?”
• Decision making process
• How to avoid team members arbitrarily inflating costs
• How to plan properly (to avoid abuse)
• Trade-ability and iterative process
Efficiency doesn’t have to be expensive!
• Passive house design
• Exhaust cfm/watt
• Automation can be simple
• Variable or multi-speed systems
• Central fan – Energy recovery
Air Quality and Efficiency Opportunities:
Vancouver passive townhouse concept – Marken Design + Consulting
Myths Busted!!!
“We don’t have time for that.”
“Sustainability people just don’t
understand construction
issues.”
“The process is WAY too restrictive.”
“Certification is just too
expensive.”
“The builder will totally
lose control of the
project.”
“Just meeting the energy
code is hard enough.” “All certifications
require solar panels.”
“All materials would be
more expensive.”
“$$$$$.”
“We would have to deal
with the Green Police.” “$$$$$.”
“$$$$$!!!”“Too many surprises!”
“Too much risk.”
Certification Hoops(The home stretch!)
Last few hoops to jump through!
• Ensuring certification success
• Paper verification vs site verification
• Time required
• Registration and certification costs
Thank you!Questions?
Speaker Contact Information
Kate HambletKEPHART ArchitectsDenver, COwww.kephart.comkateh@kephart.com
Elizabeth GillmorEnergetics Consulting EngineersDenver, COwww.energetics-eng.comelizabeth@energetics-eng.com
Jeff SlaughUS-EcoLogicDenver, COwww.us-ecologic.comjeffrey.slaugh@us-ecologic.com