The majority of our Core & Shell warehouse projects are cold, dark shells with no tenants. We do not see a path for these projects to achieve certification at all in LEED v4 C&S. Neither does it appear that they could be certified under Warehouse, since that rating system appears to be geared for full build out NC warehouses. They simply don't have enough point opportunities available to them without a build out.
Though there are many barriers to achieving the necessary points - one of the most obvious is the BPDO Raw Materials credit where previously such a project could get credit for significant recycled content and regional materials. Now this credit explicitly limits the amount of structure and enclosure materials that can contribute to 30%. What they are building is the enclosure structure.
In 10 years, we have never had to tell a client that their project simply cannot be LEED certified. What do we tell our industrial warehouse clients with a history of certified C&S warehouse projects that are facing v4?
TODD REED
Energy Program SpecialistPA DMVA
LEEDuser Expert
890 thumbs up
May 8, 2017 - 9:55 am
I've talked to firms that are running into the same things. Based on a warehouse typical location and what goes in it material wise, there is just not enough points to be earned. One point that was noted by a company was that they typically have an onsite batch plant due to the amount of concrete needed and how do you document that in regards to the EPDs and other credits. But there may be some hope if you are able to use some mechanical equipment now but it will require alot of work in determining whether some points can be earned.
Michelle Rosenberger
PartnerArchEcology
519 thumbs up
May 8, 2017 - 1:25 pm
Hi Todd,
FYI, we have talked to USGBC reviewers about this and were told that we could pull Warehouse rating system credits straight across to help with compliance on a few credits like Green Vehicles and Density/Community Connectivity. This is a little better than alternate compliance as an ID credit.
But there are still enormous barriers to making enough points cost effectively and still some confusion about what assumptions to use for energy modeling. And don't forget you need a current transducer scenario for the exhaust fans to make the Minimum Ventilation credit work.
I have written off the BPDO credits because there just aren't enough discrete materials, even with a small restroom buildout included to allow us to get water reduction points.
We are in the midst of finding out if the financial partner for one of our repeat clients wants to pay for what it would take to get a project like this certified.
David Eldridge
Energy Efficiency NinjaGrumman/Butkus Associates
67 thumbs up
May 12, 2017 - 12:39 am
Michelle, I'd be happy to talk to you about Green Globes as a flexible alternative. I'll drop you a line through your company website.