LEEDing the Way
Saturday, March 29th, 2008In our pursuit of Carbon Neutral Living, we are aiming for the highest possible standard of certification, a LEED Platinum rating. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program was developed by the U. S. Green Building Council to encourage maximum environmental responsibility and energy efficiency in the design, construction and equipping of commercial and residential buildings.
We launched our quest for LEED certification with a design charrette on March 3, 2008, involving the key people who will be responsible for the final outcome:
Mitchell Johnson, LEED Provider. Energy Management Solutions, LLC
Robert Mechielsen, architect. Studio RMA
William Kurtz and Eric Mondi, contractors. Waterhouse Construction
Peter Shackelford, solar energy consultant. Renewable Energy Services, Inc.
Ada Lamme , landscaping consultant. Mohala Pua Garden Center
Angie Bolman, Interior Designer. Bolman Design
Hours were spent pouring over plans and inspecting the site. Soil composition, grading issues, wind and rainfall patterns, solar angles, area vegetation etc. were examined. Engineering, structural, electrical, plumbing, water catchment and disposal factors were reviewed. Sequencing and oversight of construction procedures were devised to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact of the construction process itself.
Review and integration of hundreds of details revealed that the project is well conceived, and that, with all participants performing at the high levels of excellence to which they are committed, LEED certification at the Platinum level is achievable!