Author: Jonas Akula
These days, many business owners, project managers, and facilities managers emphasize green design and construction. Numerous benefits come to you when you take care of this aspect. Apart from cost savings during the project, the expenses owners incur on the building’s operations and maintenance is reduced substantially. It is one key reason why you must search for LEED consultant Chennai if you are planning to start a project.
Why LEED?
On the one hand, utility costs are rising high, and on the other hand, there are advancements in technology. By integrating suitable systems and practices, you can reduce costs and develop efficiency.
On top of it, you must understand that buildings impact climate change and a host of other aspects like local ecology and human health. It is, therefore, crucial for you to consider all these factors and do everything possible to mitigate these risks by using green building practices and concepts.
One of the best rating systems that focus on these aspects is USGBC’s LEED. USGBC is an acronym for U.S. Green Building Council, whereas LEED refers to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
LEED is a complex process that one must follow to achieve the best results. It is, therefore, wise to look out for LEED consultant Chennai that can help you with this task.
They can help the project achieve its mission and goals by surpassing all the obstacles in the design. LEED consultants will also tell you things that you must avoid altogether. Now, how do you find the right LEED consultant. Here are some simple tips that will assist you in finding the best one:
Look for Credentials
GBCI or the Green Building Certification Institute, which evolved from the USGBC awards accreditation programs to recognize those who are familiar with the LEED requirements. Individuals who take this test also should know the best practices in green building and need to have sufficient knowledge about the certification process.
Those who pass the GBCI exam are known as LEED AP or LEED Accredited Professional. Projects that undertake LEED certification receive a point when there is a LEED AP on their team. No wonder why so many people are doing their best to become LEED APs these days.
The rating system that you find these days has become more sophisticated. There are different products such as LEED for Retail, LEED for New Construction, LEED for Commercial Interiors, LEED for Existing Buildings: Operation and Maintenance.
Candidates who plan to become a LEED AP need to take a general exam and a test to prove the specialization. It is one of the first things you must check in a company when you plan to use a LEAD consultant for your project. Check how many people in that company has the accreditation before taking things further.
Experience and Expertise
It is the next thing that should be of concern to you when you are looking for a LEED consultant Chennai. Take your time to meet with the consultant and then ask them to share the various projects they did in the past. Let them explain to you about the projects, and then let them explain to you the unique problems they did face during the process and how they overcame all of those obstacles. It will give you a fair idea of their competency.
Happy With Their Communication
Communication plays a vital role. Hence, when you are looking for a LEED consultant, pick a consultant who can communicate well with you and your team. Do not choose a consultant that struggles with communication. The company should have employees that have strong project management skills. If any of this is missing, you should continue with your search.
Strategic Thinking
The LEED rating system awards a credit each time your project achieves something in a specific category. A LEED consultant should look beyond credits and reference guides that UGBC has established. They should clearly understand the synergy that comes from achieving points as outlined by LEED guidelines.
These consultants should understand the overall picture that LEED wants them to accomplish by following those guidelines. A good consultant will take time to give you a clear idea of things that you must achieve to reach specific project goals.
Understand the Needs of Individuals
Next, you need to find a LEED consultant in Chennai that puts themselves in their customers’ shoes, facilities managers, design teams, and project managers. They need to have empathy for others and should try to empathize with these key players.
Since it requires the consulting firm to work with various individuals to complete the project, you must lookout for a company with the best team that values its customers and their team’s needs.
Excellent Facilitator
LEED Documentation is crucial for a project. But that should not be your focus. It would be best if you found a LEED consultant that can explain the process in simple language to contractors, design teams, and other crucial individuals for the project.