LEED Consulting and Administration

Overview

Candid Sustainability is dedicated to enhancing the environments where we work, live, and play. We are committed to implementing design and construction practices that not only meet but exceed green building and health and well-being guidelines. As LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs), we collaborate with building owners, architects, and general contractors to integrate these sustainable practices. Our team has successfully completed multiple LEED-certified projects recognized by the US Green Building Council. We are also proud members of the USGBC National organization.

Getting LEED Certification

Our LEED consultants guide clients through the entire USGBC LEED application and certification process, supporting them throughout the design, construction, and operational phases. LEED administration, or project management, involves documenting and implementing measures to reduce the carbon footprint and enhance the health and vitality of building occupants. We remain actively involved with the entire project team, managing all necessary paperwork for LEED Online to ensure the project building is certified on time and with the highest possible points.

Projects registered under LEED 2009/v3, have had their certification sunseted as of July 2022. All new LEED projects are required to register under LEED v4 or v4.1 rating system.
LEED v5 is currently under draft review and will be available for registration in Early 2025

About LEED

The Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is one of the most recognized and accepted certification standards for building design and construction. LEED offers a consensus-based, third-party verification process to certify that a building's design, construction, and operation meet standards aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water and energy, and supporting the triple bottom line: social equality, environmental conservation, and economic vitality. Different certification levels can be earned across various industry markets by implementing strategies that benefit both the environment and human health. Many buildings are now designed and built to LEED standards, and Candid Sustainability is a proud member of the USGBC. &

LEED provides different levels of certification based on a straightforward checklist. This ensures that architects, builders, and developers know their projects will meet consistent standards, regardless of location. Similarly, clients and customers can gauge the environmental performance of their buildings. To qualify, a building must meet minimum project requirements and prerequisites. The LEED system offers a total of 110 points, with a minimum of 40 points required for LEED Certified status. Higher certification levels include LEED Silver (50 points), LEED Gold (60 points), and LEED Platinum (80+ points), depending on the extent to which a building adheres to environmental standards.

Scope of Work

EED Administration encompasses all the steps necessary for completing and submitting documentation to the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) for building certification. This process includes, but is not limited to, registering the project with the USGBC, assigning credits to team members, reviewing architectural plans and construction documents, tracking credits, completing LEED Online forms, submitting documentation, and addressing credit interpretation requests. The scope also involves scheduling meetings and providing project reports and updates. We can either take on the LEED administrative role for the project team or work in conjunction with the LEED administrator and project architect.

Candid Sustainability comes in the pre-design phase of the project to assist in aligning all parties involved around the LEED project. We lead a design charrette to go over design decisions and different options to create a green building. The charrette is to get everyone on the same page, explaining the benefits and process of LEED. From the charrette, a preliminary LEED checklist is created detail which LEED level of certification can be reached. All responsibilities are then assigned and distributed. The Owner’s Project Requirements will be recorded and followed through to the end the of construction process.

In the design process, Candid Sustainability works with the architect and building owner to ensure the Owner’s Project Requirements and LEED requirements are incorporated into the design process and all prerequisites are met. Discussions are conducted on specific materials, technologies, etc. With the general contractor, we assist with the specifications necessary for sub contractors. This will lead to the Basis of Design, a record of design intent following the Owner’s Project Requirements. Towards the end of design, all written plans are be made for construction and occupancy. And finally, submit any design-phase credits to LEEDOnline for review.

Candid Sustainability observes and continues the documentation during the construction process. We coordinate with the general contractor on tracking and collecting product receipts and recycling tickets. We take great care to make sure the LEED goals stay within any budgetary constraints. To mitigate any problems that may arise during construction our staff will notify the general contractor, such as changes from the specifications and delivered goods. Any unfinished design credits or LEED comment responses would be submitted at this time or along with the construction-phase credits.

For LEED 2009 rating system New Construction, Schools, and Core and Shell projects the final construction-phase credits or combined-phase credits would be submitted at this time. Candid Sustainability would work with the project team on all LEED reviewer comments to ensure certification. Once the credits are approved, The project would receive the project certificate and plaque. Candid would provide any marketing material/documentation the owners need. A review of the project building will be conducted after one year to make sure all is in order and functioning properly. The end goal being that we are able to showcase the sustainable benefits to the occupants, environment, and finances.

For LEED Existing Buildings, Candid would work with building owners and occupants during the performance period on documenting actual performance results for certification.

For LEED 2009 rating system New Construction, Schools, and Core and Shell projects the final construction-phase credits or combined-phase credits would be submitted at this time. Candid Sustainability would work with the project team on all LEED reviewer comments to ensure certification. Once the credits are approved, The project would receive the project certificate and plaque. Candid would provide any marketing material/documentation the owners need. A review of the project building will be conducted after one year to make sure all is in order and functioning properly. The end goal being that we are able to showcase the sustainable benefits to the occupants, environment, and finances.

For LEED Existing Buildings, Candid would work with building owners and occupants during the performance period on documenting actual performance results for certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

To help potential clients, we’ve provided answers to some frequently asked questions. If you need any further information or have any questions, feel free to contact us

Can a person become LEED certified?
What is a LEED consultant?
How is the cost of your services determined?
Do we do work in different cities and states?
I'm confused with the different certifications, can you help us choose the right one?
we're wrapping up construction and want to go LEED, can you help us?
How long does the LEED process take?
Is there limitations on the types of projects?
How soon can you start and what do you need?

Related Services

LEED Resources & Links

Connect

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Address

5030 N. Marine Dr. #807 Chicago, IL 60640

Phone

P: 312.235.2225

Email

Contact@candidsustainability.com