Dallas Hall LEED Platinum (EB)

[couch 'em]

And all of those things (HVAC systems, etc.) are probably due for replacement on a similar time-table for this. It seems as though you have a desire to find fault with SMU's due diligence on LEED registering an overhaul: given that it wouldn't change the exterior facade (the interior isn't anywhere what it was in 1950, much less 1915 when classes began), why are you against it? Getting an O&M cert on Dallas Hall is another link in the chain that SMU started when they built the Embrey Building. As more and more building on campus are renovated and built under SMU', O&M becomes particularly easy to integrate into the existing workflow.

I'm not against it per se, I'm just saying that trying to get platinum seems like a colossal waste of money. I've never been involved in an O&M cert project, but I've been involved in numerous new construction projects, and trying to go anywhere past silver you start spending a huge amount of money for little return. Much of LEED is basic good design, but the upper levels are ... creative. Even for O&M, simply replacing old HVAC equipment with new more efficient models is not going to get you to platinum.

But maybe it isn't that difficult. Have you been involved in O&M cert LEED projects?

[RE Tycoon]

Not sure about the specifics for each building, but I'm pretty sure SMU has a central chiller plant which LEED looks on as favorable. There are systems in the building that will need replacing and certain benchmarks like air circulation rates that most likely accomplished by systems in building.

I'm not a HVAC expert, but I believe a lot of the bulky systems that could change the character of the building can be implemented at sites other than Dallas Hall. If they have to do major duct work, that could be bad for the building's historic interior, if any of it still exists from prior remodels.

[smu diamond m]

And all of those things (HVAC systems, etc.) are probably due for replacement on a similar time-table for this. It seems as though you have a desire to find fault with SMU's due diligence on LEED registering an overhaul: given that it wouldn't change the exterior facade (the interior isn't anywhere what it was in 1950, much less 1915 when classes began), why are you against it? Getting an O&M cert on Dallas Hall is another link in the chain that SMU started when they built the Embrey Building. As more and more building on campus are renovated and built under SMU', O&M becomes particularly easy to integrate into the existing workflow.

I'm not against it per se, I'm just saying that trying to get platinum seems like a colossal waste of money. I've never been involved in an O&M cert project, but I've been involved in numerous new construction projects, and trying to go anywhere past silver you start spending a huge amount of money for little return. Much of LEED is basic good design, but the upper levels are ... creative. Even for O&M, simply replacing old HVAC equipment with new more efficient models is not going to get you to platinum.

But maybe it isn't that difficult. Have you been involved in O&M cert LEED projects?

The actual O&M certification process pretty equates to an audit, which occurs at some predefined interval after occupation. I worked on quite a few in El Paso that were intended to be both green certified buildings, as well as O&M certified. From the design standpoint in new construction, it doesn't change a whole lot. I haven't worked on any retrofit projects, not much work in those for a site civil.

You should keep in mind that Dallas Hall wasn't built with air conditioning. It originally had the president's apartment in it; it is now pretty much what I would consider a void space -- it is VERY different from the way it was 100 years ago. There is so little of that interior that is indicative of its historical past it isn't funny. I highly doubt (begin speculation here) that replacing existing the interior environmental controls would take more physical space than existing (end speculation). LEED stuff isn't bigger (unnecessary size is generally the antithesis of the LEED objective), it is simply intended to be more effective through contemporary, innovative design.

[HorsePower]

Forgive my ignorance, but what is LEED status?

[couch 'em]

Forgive my ignorance, but what is LEED status?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadership_in_Energy_and_Environmental_Design

LEED is a rating system for buildings showing how "green" they are. The US Green Building Council puts out a large booklet of guidelines, and if you meet the guidelines, fill out the paperwork, and pay for it to be reviewed, you can get certified. The more guidelines you meet, the more points you get, the higher your rating.

In a new building, you get points for things using better insulation to save energy, more windows and daylight to increase occupant comfort/use less energy, using less toxic materials, collecting rain water to use for irrigation, electric vehicle refueling stations, using local building materials to cut down on shipping pollution, etc.

In an existing building, you get points for decreasing your energy usage and increasing occupant comfort, decreasing waste, etc.