Engineering
LEED® Consulting
LEED®, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a program of the U.S. Green Building Council, is an industry standard for "green" building construction and renovation projects. Its certification is aimed at improving building performance based on metrics that not only are good for the environment, but also improve the building owner's bottom line through lower utility consumption. Green building construction, however, is not without risks.
Need to Know
One must not ignore the fundamental laws of nature in today's "green" building environment. Many new building materials are sustainable products that can deteriorate while in use if not installed and maintained properly. MZA provides the critical guidance to select, install, and maintain sustainable materials and assemblies correctly to avoid decomposition and significant long-term problems for building owners.
Sealants, Coatings & Roofs
Sustainable buildings constructed from lightweight recyclable materials rely on high-tech sealants and coatings to remain weather tight. These materials have a life span of several years to a decade and must be maintained properly to avoid water intrusion that can cause premature recycling and deterioration. Roofs are another critical element in the health of a building requiring proper maintenance to perform. Unfortunately, this maintenance often falls on the building owner who typically does not have the technical skills necessary to accomplish proper upkeep. Proper commissioning can insure the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain watertight conditions throughout the building's lifespan.
Commissioning
During commissioning, the building manager and maintenance staff are equipped with an "owner's manual" and trained in proper building use to avoid the pit falls of sustainable materials recycling in place. The manual provides guidance on the operation of mechanical and electrical equipment, as well as the proper method of maintaining weatherproofing elements of the building envelope. It includes instructions and technical specifications needed to secure sealants and coatings, a schedule for maintenance items, and helpful bid documents to guide the owner in securing critical maintenance services.
Other LEED Related Services
- MEP services required for New Construction or Existing Building O&M Design
- Modeling for credit EA 1: Optimizing Energy Performance using Energy Gauge Summit Software
- CxA services for credit EA 3: Enhanced Commissioning
- EA Credit 3: Construction IAQ Management Plan
- Modeling for moisture control in building assemblies
- Analysis of materials and assemblies to assure longevity
