University of New Hampshire
OP-4: Building Design and Construction

DeMerrit Hall: LEED Silver equivalent James Hall: LEED Gold Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics: LEED Gold To date 8 buildings are rated Energy Star.

The University of New Hampshire Planning, Design and Construction Guidelines are intended to provide general instructions to designers in the planning and preparation of construction documents, as well as general guidance to construction professionals working on projects for the University. The purpose is to ensure a minimum standard of quality, durability, consistency, maintainability, and sustainability in building and infrastructure design and construction. The information collected here clarifies what is unique or different about construction at the University as compared to other projects that designers and contractors typically work on. The Guidelines are a baseline that allow for the introduction of new methods, systems, and materials for consideration by the University due to specific constraints, opportunities, or conditions of a specific project. It is expected that any alternatives will be proposed before the completion of Design Development. The documents are not to be used as specifications for projects, but are to be incorporated, as appropriate, into the specifications for each University project. Nothing in The Guidelines shall preclude or take precedence over compliance with applicable codes, regulations, requirements, mandates, or laws of the State of New Hampshire or the federal government. This is intended to be a living document that evolves through continual review and updates as needed. The Guidelines will be made available by Web access and it is expected that designers will utilize the latest version available at the time a project proceeds with Schematic Design. WHILE EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO MAKE THE GUIDELINES COMPLETE AND COMPREHENSIVE, THERE ARE ALWAYS ELEMENTS THAT NEED FURTHER CLARIFICATION OR THERE IS NEW INFORMATION THAT HAS YET TO BE INCLUDED. THE GUIDELINES DO NOT RELIEVE THE DESIGNERS FROM THE RESPONSBILITY TO PROVIDE COMPLETE, ACCURATE, AND QUALITY CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS TO MEET OUR NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS. The UNH Planning, Design and Construction Guidelines is organized in chapters that follow the sequence of the project process. Chapter 1, General Principles, addresses several planning guides or master plans that describe the University’s design goals and intentions. Chapter 2, Project Process, provides requirements for developing a typical project and the products that are expected along the way. Chapter 3, University Planning Standards, delineates the University’s expectations and considerations for some of the major design elements and functions of most projects. Chapter 4, Supplemental Project Requirements (under development), contains information on specific protocols and processes unique to the University environment. Chapter 5, Technical Construction and Renovation Standards, is a constant resource to designers from Design Development through the completion of Construction Documents and Specifications. It is organized in the CSI format. The University of New Hampshire has made a commitment to achieve the equivalent of “LEED” silver for new construction and major renovations, including the formal commissioning of each new project. The University Planning, Design and Construction Guidelines incorporate the University’s strategies, standards, and methodology to fulfill this commitment. It is believed that The Guidelines alone provide the equivalent to at least a LEED basic certified level. So, each new project will be expected to develop a set of sustainable design objectives specific to that project, above and beyond what is in The Guidelines.

The University of New Hampshire Planning, Design and Construction Guidelines is intended to provide general instructions to designers in the planning and preparation of construction documents, as well as general guidance to construction professionals working on projects for the University. The purpose is to ensure a minimum standard of quality, durability, consistency, maintainability, and sustainability in building and infrastructure design and construction. The University of New Hampshire has made a commitment to achieve the equivalent of “LEED” silver for new construction and major renovations, including the formal commissioning of each new project. The University Planning, Design and Construction Guidelines incorporate the University’s strategies, standards, and methodology to fulfill this commitment. It is believed that The Guidelines alone provide the equivalent to at least a LEED basic certified level. So, each new project will be expected to develop a set of sustainable design objectives specific to that project, above and beyond what is in The Guidelines.

Press release on James Hall LEED Gold certification http://www.unh.edu/news/cj_nr/2010/jun/bp30leed.cfm Eight buildings on the UNH campus have been awarded the Energy Star label by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In total, the eight Energy Star buildings are preventing pollution equivalent to annual emissions from 230 vehicles - more than 135,000 gallons of gasoline - while saving UNH more than $180,000 per year in energy bills. More here: http://www.energy.unh.edu/News2.htm