New tools help speed up LEED certification process

New software and technology are helping construction companies streamline documentation for LEED certification. The New Building Institute (NBI) recently launched the COMNET Energy Modeling portal that gathers energy modeling data from a number of software packages, conducts quality assurance checks, and sends the information to LEED Online for the energy and atmosphere prerequisite and the energy and atmosphere credit.
Aug. 15, 2012
2 min read

New software and technology are helping construction companies streamline documentation for LEED certification. The New Building Institute (NBI) recently launched the COMNET Energy Modeling portal that gathers energy modeling data from a number of software packages, conducts quality assurance checks, and sends the information to LEED Online for the energy and atmosphere prerequisite and the energy and atmosphere credit.

While the system filters the results automatically, users can still review the LEED Online template to ensure that it has been filled out appropriately. For now, the new portal is free to use, but charges will be assessed after October.

The U.S. Green Building Council launched the LEED Automation program in 2010 to fast-track the certification process by synchronizing LEED Online with third-party systems, and more options are likely to become available.

For instance, NBI is working with other modeling software vendors that are working to add a COMNET XML output option. For building teams, technology like this will allow architects and contractors to spend more time on design and construction, rather than manually entering data for LEED certification. One design firm estimates the COMNET Energy Modeling portalcan save an entire day’s worth of work from not having to manually fill out forms.

Similar options may become more common on construction projects that seek any type of green certification.
(http://www.constructech.com/news/articles/article.aspx?article_id=9359&SECTION=6)

About the Author

Dwight Perkins

Dwight Perkins is the Senior Director of Field Operations for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and orchestrates the code adoption efforts of 11 other IAPMO Field Service regions as well as directly working with the state code agencies in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and Oregon. Mr. Perkins has more than 35 years experience in the plumbing industry starting as an Apprentice in Alaska moving through the ranks to become a Journeyman Plumber and Business Manager of with UA Local 262. Prior to joining IAPMO, Perkins served in the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly while worked as Deputy Commissioner for the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. He is extremely familiar with the demands jurisdictions face on a daily basis and he is particularly well suited to address those needs. Mr. Perkins may be contacted at IAPMO at 503-982-1193 or email [email protected]
Sign up for Building Design+Construction Newsletters
Get the latest news and updates.