At Smith + Andersen, we recognize our unique professional position to provide environmental stewardship in design. In fact, we have been meeting the challenge to provide energy efficient designs since our firm was formed in the 1960's (and brought to the forefront during the 1970's energy crisis). We encourage the use of proven techniques and diligently review emerging technologies with our clients and apply where viable.
Our solid experience in energy efficient design allowed us to meet today's challenges of more holistic, sustainable designs. We offer our clients a range of services to meet their sustainable building objectives.
At Smith + Andersen, we recognize our unique professional position to provide environmental stewardship in design. In fact, we have been meeting the challenge to provide energy efficient designs since our firm was formed in the 1960's (and brought to the forefront during the 1970's energy crisis). We encourage the use of proven techniques and diligently review emerging technologies with our clients and apply where viable.
Our solid experience in energy efficient design allows us to meet today's challenges of more holistic, sustainable designs. We offer our clients a range of services to meet their sustainable building objectives.
Currently, Smith + Andersen has seven staff members who are LEED® Accredited Professionals (AP). Our environmentally conscious staff is trained (through internal and external workshops and seminars) to be kept up-to-date with the latest technologies, design standards, rating systems, incentive programs and the integration of these into the marketplace.
Smith + Andersen's added services for projects seeking LEED® certification includes:
- Attending integrated design meetings throughout the schematic, design development and contract documents phases where the LEED® rating system is followed
- Designing and studying advanced mechanical and electrical systems to obtain LEED® certification, which is not typically included in our base service. This is considered to be a value-added service and is encouraged
- Including an added scope that is primarily focused on the design process. The cost of this service is in part proportional to the total construction cost of the project and dependent on the LEED® certification level that is being targeted. There are also costs in the construction and post-construction phases but these will typically be included as one service for the entire length of the project
- Advising on, tracking and completing all relevant documentation for mechanical and electrical solutions to secure the desired LEED® credits and achieve a LEED® certification level
Smith + Andersen demonstrates compliance with ASHRAE 90.1 (alternate to MNECB) by:
- Meeting the "Minimum Energy Performance Prerequisite" of the LEED® rating system, which mandates that a building must perform better than ASHRAE 90.1 by a minimum energy cost percentage
- Having an extensive knowledge of ASHRAE 90.1 and modeling programs that can be used to demonstrate compliance with ASHRAE 90.1
- Realizing that energy modeling is not used to comply with ASHRAE 90.1 prescriptive (and mandatory) standards; however, it is used to demonstrate ASHRAE 90.1 building performance compliance and will perform it upon client request or in a jurisdiction where such a compliance is required
Building Energy Modelling Services:
- Smith + Andersen provides energy modeling services using CDS Trace 700, Trace System Analyzer, EE4 and eQUest as an extra service to determine compliance to ASHRAE 90.1 and/or MNECB. These programs can also be used in buildings where different design strategies are being considered and a relative building model can assists in determining the viability of these design strategies.