LEED Documentation During Construction

Another difference between LEED projects and ordinary construction is the need to track and document design and construction decisions, materials, and methods so the information can be submitted for LEED certification. This process starts during project design and continues throughout construction and in some cases after construction is complete. Documentation includes not only design strategies, written explanations, and energy modeling, but such things as specific makes and models of equipment that are installed, invoice or cut sheet (manufacturer's information) evidence that materials meet the LEED requirements, operations and maintenance manuals and training that are more thorough than standard practice, documentation that construction debris has been sorted and the required percentage has been reused or recycled, and evidence of indoor air quality management during construction.

The LEED documentation process, templates, and requirements are explained in the "LEED Documentation During Design" section of this report.

Selecting and Working With Contractors

Contractors who don't have experience with LEED tend to bid high to compensate for unknowns. They may not appreciate the impact that small changes can make on whether LEED points are achieved or the importance of tracking and documenting LEED items. Contractor experience, frequent communication, and meticulous tracking are essential to successful LEED construction projects. Here are a few tips from Forest Service employees who have worked on LEED construction projects:

• Make sure one of the selection criteria for the construction contractor is experience in building structures that are LEED certified.
  
  
• Thoroughly cover LEED and commissioning at the prebid meeting, the preconstruction conference, and all progress meetings during construction.
  
  
• Confirm how the contractor intends to meet requirements for each LEED credit and that the contractor has assigned responsibility for accomplishing specific credits to specific subcontractors or work teams.
  
  
• Use LEED checklists or spreadsheets to track the LEED points that must be satisfied during each phase of construction, when the work has been completed, and when documentation has been completed.
  
  
• Make sure that the construction templates and required additional documentation are entered into LEED online (https://leedonline.usgbc.org/) during construction or before final payment is made for the construction work.