I’ve been working with a group of specifiers, Architects, contractors, and LEED consultants in the Boston/Cambridge area to work out the not-so-new LEED v4 MR and EQ credits. We would like to bring our presentation to Construct next year; it was very well received at GreenBuild this year. But as you all know, there is nothing related to sustainability, healthy building materials, or the USGBC at Construct. It’s one of the reasons I think Construct is so much less relevant than it used to be.
Lisa,
I am interested and would support additional sustainable design related education sessions to be offered at CONSTRUCT. I don’t get to go the GreenBuild as much as I did in the past so I relay on getting my LEED AP credentials by any means possible. Having more opportunities at this venue would be a real plus in my opinion.
PS - I recommended the program you co-presented at GreenBuild in LA to some of the members of the firm that were planning to attend. I was able to (through Green Badger) get copies of the handouts you and your group have compiled. I would attend the program to get the supporting discussion related to this topic.
It seems to me (and I could be wrong) that specifiers and those that attend Construct are looking for practical information that can help them write specifications and design buildings. Much of the sustainability content has more vague ideas and concepts with less nuts and bolts type of information. There certainly have been sustainable topics in the past, but with the lull between LEED 2009 and LEED v4, there was a period where there was nothing to talk about.
It would be great to hear some good talks about LEED v4 MR and how people are using (or not using) some of the requirements there.
Do any USGBC or AIA convention seminars address general conditions, Division 01, relationship of documents, CSI, specifications, specifications in BIM, writing specifications, interpreting specifications, air barrier detailing, reference standards, shop drawings and other submittals, product properties and performance, and so on? I haven’t been to Greenbuild for several years, haven’t ever been to a national AIA convention, just asking.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t have presentations about “sustainable” design or any of the other flavors of thought (seems like there’s a new one every month) until the other conventions pay attention to what we do, but architects and greenies should know about more than planning, design, and LEED.
I wish there was a “LIKE” button. ^^^^
Ron,
I’m going to assume you meant “LIKE” because you heard about our awesome presentation, full of practical information about Division 01, relationship of documents, CSI, writing specifications, interpreting specifications, submittal requirements, product properties, and performance requirements, all related to LEED v4 MR and EQ credits. Thank you.
Wade,
Thank you for recommending us. Our handouts, including sample specification language, are available at www.thegreenengineer.com/resources
Our group thinks that collaboration is helpful. Since LEED projects are a significant portion of our work, we can’t dismiss it as the flavor of the month. This month, the flavor is apparently “luxury vinyl tile (LVT)” with digitally printed sprinkles on top. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.
Lisa,
Your link is incorrect, take out the “the” and it works: www.greenengineer.com/resources.
Also, is LVT an oxymoron? What makes it luxurious?
Thanks Lisa
I am currently on the HPD-C Tech Committee and also on the HPD-C User Advisory Panel. I am looking to gather recommendations for language that support LEED v4, and the HPD requirements, for the affected materials credits. I am seeking to be part of the development both “universal” language and locations much like the recommendations coming out of your groups efforts. In my opinion, if this is left to the individual firms and contractors we will continue to have the process arbitrarily scattered all over Div. 01 and assorted technical sections and the contractors will have to search and interpret the intent and other details regarding these goals for each project seeking this certification. With the recent live launch of LEED v4 this is the time to address these topics.
PS - I have three projects (MD, IL, & CA) that are including the LVT flooring. Usually it is a plank system with an embossed wood grain or some equally “unique” surface but, it can also be a typical square configuration as well.
Luxury is in the eye of the beholder and in this instance it appears these are “luxurious” because the name of the product is LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile); if you give it a name it must be true. 
One well know manufacturer even has a coating system that includes diamonds to “enhance” the durability of the coating.
Mostly what makes LVT “luxurious” is the marketing departments.
Lisa, my “Like” was for Sheldon’s post. If your presentation does cover those elements Sheldon listed and you provided, then, yes, it would receive a “Like,” too.
I guess the point is this, if CSI provides education that is offered at AIA, USGBC, or another similar association, then people will ask “Why should I join CSI if I can get that at my other association I pay dues for?” CSI can provide education covering similar broad subject areas as other associations, but the content should be very CSI-centric, because we are the experts in that domain.
I’m finding that with LEED 4.0 there are a large number of trap doors for Specifiers to fall through. The entire system seems to have been revamped. Measurement and verification is a huge item as is proper specifying of building commissioning (which really requires client input since there is an enormous laundry list of content that can be included).
As to LVT my understanding is that it is luxurious compared to VCT. Of course so is sealed concrete.
+1 on Ken’s comment. We had an informative presentation at our local CSI chapter meeting just last night on the subject of LEED 4.0. There are considerations for written specifications. Besides, Texas (and I’m sure other jurisdictions) has a requirement for sustainable design continuing education credits to maintain licensure. I would gladly pick up at least one of those at Construct or a CSI regional conference when offered. I believe I have done that in the past.
I will be presenting a LEED v4/USGBC update program to our local Raleigh Durham chapter in February.
This is a continuation of the annual programs I have been presenting to the chapter since 2004 on the topic of USGBC/LEED/and Sustainable Design updates in general.
The program Lisa and her group presented at GreenBuild aligns directly with the needs of the specification development community.
There are significant changes to the LEED v4 documentation and a program of this nature will have a real value to any specifier’s out there that will be developing the DIV. 01 and supporting Technical Spec requirements for any LEED projects registered after Oct 31, 2016.
In addition to writing the specs many of us that work for firms are also considered a QA/QC resource and this can and probably should extend beyond materials selection and drawing detail confirmation.
I will be presenting a LEED v4/USGBC update program to our local Raleigh Durham chapter in February.
This is a continuation of the annual programs I have been presenting to the chapter since 2004 on the topic of USGBC/LEED/and Sustainable Design updates in general.
The program Lisa and her group presented at GreenBuild aligns directly with the needs of the specification development community.
There are significant changes to the LEED v4 documentation and a program of this nature will have a real value to any specifier’s out there that will be developing the DIV. 01 and supporting Technical Spec requirements for any LEED projects registered after Oct 31, 2016.
In addition to writing the specs many of us that work for firms are also considered a QA/QC resource and this can and probably should extend beyond materials selection and drawing detail confirmation.