Design and Contracting Documentation

Table with various interview questions and guidance that's contained in the documentProject Team Interview Questions and Guidance for Carbon Neutral Schools (download)

The interview is an important time to meet design teams, ask and answer clarifying questions from the request for proposals or qualifications (RFP or RFQ), and discuss initial project goals, such as the carbon neutral building target. When interviewing, allow ample time to discuss the opportunities and challenges of the building project and the programmatic needs of the building. Schedule two to four hours for an in-depth interview to allow time for teams to get to know each other, experience communication styles, hear their in-depth knowledge of energy and carbon outcomes, and most of all, ensure that the team has good working chemistry. The agenda could include a problem-solving activity to assess team knowledge and study their communication in action.

 

Toolbox with examples under heading such as "portfolio level goals"New Buildings Institute Energy and Carbon Design Checklist (download)

Example: Guided by the [resolution, carbon plan, energy plan, etc.,] our district is embarking on a process to design, construct, and modernize school buildings and facilities in order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. Occupant health, resource efficiency and sustainability are important to our district and these Project Requirements explain how we aim to achieve our goals in construction activities. Incorporating energy and carbon into school design standards can make an immediate impact on health, attendance, academic performance, and teacher retention while decreasing operational costs. 

Front page of RFP guidance document with titleNBI RFP Guidance

Request for Proposals (RFP) and/or Request for Qualifications (RFQ) are key documents for alerting potential design teams to project energy goals. These goals often include the target energy use intensity (EUI) and broader goals such as ZE performance. The RFP should lay out key bidder requirements and should encourage prospective teams to imagine the energy performance before design begins. Documents such as the owner’s project requirements (OPR) and facilities master plan should also address project energy goals and team requirements.

Cover of template with titleOwner Project Requirements: Energy and Carbon Project Requirements Template (download)

Energy and carbon project requirements template for schools.