The UG2 O&M Team Leads the Way
Securing LEED Gold certification is a complex process — but one with major return on investment if approached with the right partnerships in place. That’s the well-earned perspective of a customer in the real estate development industry who engaged UG2 in just such an undertaking.
The building in question had earned LEED Silver certification in the past, but this property owner knew that elevating the 213,000-square-foot facility to LEED Gold would bring significant energy savings. The property owner was well versed in conducting LEED certifications and looked to UG2 as a strong partner adept at managing the critical auditing and documentation requirements.
Leveraging UG2’s Experience and Credentials
UG2 has consistently achieved the prestigious CIMS-GB with honors certification from ISSA and has a history of excelling at delivering comprehensive services aligned with LEED criteria. We exceed the industry standard for green building, quality systems, management commitment and more. Impressed with our stellar record and reputation for effective partnerships, the property owner worked with us to develop an action plan.
1. The ASHRAE audit requirement
Pursuing LEED Gold certification begins with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) audits to understand the building configuration, define the type and nature of energy systems, and identify potential energy improvements.
UG2 Maintenance Technicians Miguel Escalada and Shawn Lowry led their team in performing the detailed audit, which included a comprehensive lighting review, compilation of preventative maintenance tickets, and run-time hours for all relevant equipment.
2. Documentation and monitoring
Gold certification requires that a building earns at least 60 points in categories from energy efficiency and water conservation to indoor environmental quality. Miguel and Shawn were already maintaining detailed records, completing regular water and electrical sub-meter readings, and documenting the preventative maintenance tickets, LED upgrades and added occupancy sensors.
In line with UG2’s core values, the team went above and beyond, doing daily incoming and water disposal readings that exceeded LEED’s requirements to ensure they would get ahead of unanticipated issues.
3. The handover
UG2 excels at collaboration, communication and transparency—all critical components for a daunting and complicated effort like pursuing LEED Gold. The team thoroughly and seamlessly provided all the documentation and information necessary to their counterparts on the facility’s team, setting the project on track for obtaining the coveted gold.
Strategies for Success
Prioritize communication and coordination. Clear communication is important in all aspects of facility services. It’s especially critical in LEED certification projects where prompt and timely collaboration is needed between the customer and their partner. UG2’s ongoing and transparent communications ensured the property owner could effectively keep tabs on the project’s progression and trust the results.
Document everything meticulously. According to Tim Higgins, UG2 Chief Engineer, “Miguel keeps meticulous records on everything. This helped ensure a very seamless LEED documentation process. Because his team takes readings daily and adheres to a strict preventative maintenance schedule, we always have all the information the customer might want on hand, whenever they wanted it.”
Choose the right partners. Nothing is more important to UG2 than maintaining trusted relationships and helping our customers achieve their goals. The facility owner chose UG2 for this project and others based on our clear record of excellence. Close collaboration through regular meetings and the close involvement of company leadership sets the tone for a strong, successful relationship where everyone is on the same page.
We are honored to have been entrusted with this exceptional task—and incredibly proud of our team for stepping up and demonstrating how UG2 continues to raise the bar on facility services. Do you have questions about partnering with UG2 to achieve something big? Get in touch today to explore the possibilities.