CORTEX One LEED Credits Achieved

SS PR1—Erosion and Sedimentation Control: We designed and implemented a sediment and erosion control plan during construction in conformance with referenced U.S. EPA requirements.

SS CR1—Site Selection: The project site was not developed on any of the sensitive site locations listed, such as native species habitat or prime farmland.

SS CR2—Development Density and Community Connectivity: The project was developed within an area that is a combination of commercial and residential. The development density minimum value cannot be achieved, but during construction, we will explore the alternate method of evaluating the density of adjacent properties and the projects proximity to listed basic services.

SS CR4.1—Alternative Transportation, Public Transportation Access: The project is located with the listed distances to public transportation station.

SS CR4.2—Alternative Transportation, Bicycle Storage, and Changing Rooms: The project includes the correct quantities of bicycle storage, shower facilities, and changing rooms in conformance with the occupancy calculations.

SS CR7.2—Heat Island Effect, Roof: We installed a white, reflective roofing system that complies with listed SRI requirements.

SS CR9—Tenant Design and Construction Guidelines: Working with the developer/owner, we developed a guideline manual for review with all potential or leased tenants of the building. The guideline manual includes a description of sustainable construction features incorporated into the construction of the building and recommendations for the tenant to consider with the buildout of their space. The guideline manual discusses the benefits of sustainable construction to the environment and to the occupants of the building.

WE CR1.1—Water-efficient Landscaping: We implemented high-efficiency irrigation technologies and utilized indigenous plants to reduce water irrigation requirements for the project to meet these credits.

EA PR1—Fundamental Building Systems Commissioning: A commissioning authority was contracted by the owner and was involved in design review and construction observation. The commissioning authority will perform required services, labor, survey, review, and reporting to meet this prerequisite.

EA PR2—Minimum Energy Performance: The calculated results of the design energy model indicated we met the minimum energy performance requirements of ASHRAE 90.1 by use of energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems with a well-insulated building enclosure.

EA PR3—CFC Reduction in HVAC&R Equipment: HVAC systems included use of non-CFC-based refrigerants.

EA CR3—Enhanced Commissioning: A commissioning authority was contracted by the owner and was been involved in design review and construction observation. The commissioning authority performed required services, labor, survey, review, planning, training, and reporting to meet this credit.

EA CR4—Refrigeration Selection: The base building level HVAC refrigeration equipment utilized refrigerants that comply with the listed formulas.

EA CR5.1—Measurement and Verification-Base Building: The team developed and implemented a measurement and verification plan consistent with listed optional methods for measurement of building lighting and power energy uses.

EA CR5.2—Measurement and Verification-Tenant Submetering: The building temperature and controls system is capable of accommodating tenant submetering of lighting and power energy uses.

MR PR1—Storage and Collection of Recyclables: The building owner has designated specific areas of the building for tenant use for separation, collection, and storage for disposal of recycled materials.

MR CR2.1—Construction Waste Management, Divert 50 Percent From Disposal: Multiple construction waste containers were utilized for separation of qualified wood products, concrete, and steel materials. More than 50 percent of the construction waste materials were diverted from landfill disposal and were reprocessed at a qualified facility.

MR CR4.2—Recycled Content, 20 Percent (Post-consumer + One-half Pre-consumer): More than 20 percent of the building construction materials included recycled content. The steel for the building includes as much as 95 percent qualified recycled content.

MR CR5.2—Regional Materials, 20 Percent Extracted, Processed, and Manufactured Regionally: More than 20 percent of the core shell construction materials originated within 500 miles of the project site in compliance with the regional requirements of these credits.

IEQ PR1—Minimum IAQ Performance: The minimum requirements of the published ASHRAE standards for proper amounts of outdoor air intake into the building were met.

IEQ PR2—Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control: The owner has designated the building to be smoke-free in conformance with the prerequisite requirements.

IEQ CR1—Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring: We installed a permanent carbon dioxide monitoring system for core and shell spaces and the capacity to accommodate tenant areas to maintain monitoring levels and controls below established limits.

IEQ CR2—Increased Ventilation: The HVAC systems and controls exceed ASHRAE 62.1 standards by at least 30 percent.

IEQ CR3.1—Construction IAQ Management Plan, During Construction: We developed and implemented an Indoor Air Quality Plan for the project, based on SMACNA IAQ Guidelines, Chapter 3 published standards. We protected all ductwork and finish materials from dirt and moisture.

IEQ CR4.1–CR4.4—Low-Emitting Materials, Adhesives and Sealants, Paints and Coatings, Carpet Systems, Composite Wood: We selected and purchased finish materials to meet the low-VOC limit requirements of these credits.

IEQ CR5—Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control: The building design includes cleanable entryway walk-off mats, as well as ventilation and plumbing systems to minimize and control pollutant or biological contaminant entry into the buildings, and later cross-contamination in conformance with listed methods.

IEQ CR8.2—Daylight and Views, Views for 90 Percent of Spaces: We have designed the core and shell areas to meet the view requirements of the listed credit for 90 percent of occupied spaces with perimeter vision glass and elimination of perimeter partitioned offices.

IDP CR1.1—Innovation in Design: We greatly exceeded the requirements of MR CR5.1: Regional Materials and qualified for an Innovation Credit.

IDP CR1.3—Green Kiosks in Lobby: We installed a green kiosk informational tool for occupants and visitors to the building to learn about the sustainable construction techniques installed in the building. The kiosk is a touch screen with programmed information about the sustainable features of the building in a PowerPoint presentation.

IDP CR2—LEED AP: We had a LEED Accredited Professional on the project team to achieve this credit.

The building achieved 27 total LEED-CS credits and all LEED-CS prerequisites. LEED-CS requires 24 total credits for certification.

—by Paul Todd Merrill, PE, LEED AP, and Steve Niehoff, CID, CIC, CLIA