Letters

Our firm was just notified that we had achieved a LEED Silver rating on a higher-ed project. Not only that, we were just two points short of a Gold rating.

Our project [designed in association with HKS, Dallas] was not designed to reach a particular LEED rating. We simply applied our standard design process and included only those design features which the client agreed made economic sense. It was only after design was completed and the contractor selected, that the client asked if the project might achieve a Silver rating.

Did the client push for the two extra points? No! Two additional LEED points would not [have added] any significant value to the project, and helping the contractor maintain the construction schedule was the higher priority.

Your editorial was correct: “Building teams are using common sense in their choice of green strategies.” Our clients are using common sense also. We can state with absolute certainty that the project did not cost more just because it almost achieved a Gold rating. The only additional cost to the project was the $150,000 fee for the independent consultant to document the process and certify the LEED rating.

Anthony A. Wegener President

Design West Architects

Logan, Utah