LEED Lessons Learned - An Interview with LEED AP Michael Hartzog

February 18 , 2009

The first completed building in the Offices at Park Place received LEED Gold certification recently. Michael Hartzog of design/build construction firm The Murray Company was LEED AP on the project. We sat down with him to discuss the lessons he learned during the construction process.

The envelope, please….

The building envelope is a major component of energy efficiency, and although Hartzog didn’t realize it at first, he discovered that simply upgrading roof and wall insulation, as well as glass, went a long way toward energy savings. In fact, the improved "R" values and solar heat gain coefficients were the main factors in reducing HVAC energy use by 36% when compared to the baseline target.

Commissioning

This was a crucial step in the LEED certification process.  All energy consuming systems were installed and then inspected and tested by a third party. This third party ensured all systems were working efficiently and functioning properly, which helped to avoid any problems for the building long-term.  “It is so important to verify that systems operate the way they are designed,” Hartzog says.  Now a big fan of the commissioning process, he thinks this third-party review should be a part of a regular maintenance routine.

An “Ah-hah!” moment…..

Much to his surprise (and delight), Hartzog discovered that it was actually cheaper to recycle construction debris than it was to send it to a landfill. While having a recycling center nearby was a big factor, this discovery has lead to the decision by The Murray Company to recycle on many future projects even if they are not LEED projects.

City government assistance

This project raised Hartzog's awareness of creative strategies cities are putting in place to encourage green building. Sarasota, for example, fast tracks the permit process.  Tampa offers a building permit rebate.  “We’re looking forward to changes in the city of Clearwater that might encourage more green building in the city. At this time, there's not much in place for the city to distinguish between green and non-green practices. Expedited permit reviews, reduced impact fees on water, sewer, transportation, things of that nature would go a long way to encourage more green building going forward,” Hartzog says.

Spread the word

As part of this process, some subcontractors had to be educated on the green building process. Hartzog was pleased that they embraced the project, and now that they’ve done it, “they get it.” While he would happily work with the same subcontractors again, he has no qualms about working with others and educating them on the LEED process as well. “It’s important to us to continue to spread the word and promote understanding of green building concepts.” 

Saving the Planet

What Hartzog wasn’t expecting was the impact the project had on his personal life.  He has switched every light bulb in his house to more energy efficient versions. He recycles. He drives a Prius. The choice he made to take part in a green building project has reverberated and ultimately prompted him to decrease his carbon footprint – as well as the footprints of friends and associates who have chosen to follow his LEED…err…lead.