Methodology

Altanova has developed specific methods and protocols based on our technical expertise, for existing buildings and the new construction market in the different real estate sectors.

Integrated, sustainable design—with optimal energy and water savings, and maximum greenhouse gas emissions reduction--is best achieved when we are involved from inception, working with the entire design team.

Although each project is unique, presenting distinct opportunities and challenges, we follow a consistent integrated design methodology to create the most value possible. We always adapt our process to suit each client’s specific goals and requirements. Depending on our scope of work, Altanova is involved in some or all of the following activities through the integrated design process:

Inception
- Establish sustainability goals, including LEED certification goals (when applicable).

Conceptualization
- Develop Owner’s Programming Requirements.
- Develop outline or performance specification.
- Ascertain which zoning, building, and other codes and standards are applicable.
- Prepare a site resource Inventory, including utilities, and fees and rates.
- Identify applicable financial and other incentives. 
- Develop site, orientation, and massing strategies.
- Identify appropriate LEED credits to pursue, and strategies to achieve them.

Criteria Design
- Develop Mechanical Basis of Design.
- Estimate heating, cooling and related loads.
- Develop envelope and MEP systems design options.
- Model design option thermal performance.
- Select and prepare initial design of major building systems (structure, envelope, HVAC)
- Prepare cost feasibility studies.
- Identify long-lead time items and integrate into schedule.
- Confirm LEED credit feasibility, and design requirements.

Detailed Design
- Finalize envelope and MEP systems design.
- Prepare applications for financial and other incentives.
- Confirm design thermal performance (model) and complete cost-benefit analysis.
- Develop commissioning scope of work.
- Develop measurement and verification scope of work.
- Pre-qualify specialized vendors for renewable energy, etc.
- Finalize LEED credits, and documentation requirements.

Implementation Documents
- Begin enhanced commissioning (MEP review).
- Perform final compliance modeling.
- Finalize submittals for financial and other incentives.
- Complete design-phase LEED credit integration and supporting documentation.

Agency Coordination and Final Buyout
- Respond to contractor RFIs
- Review final bids for consistency with sustainable design intent.

Construction
- Perform field inspections to review implementation of design, including commissioning and measurement and verification systems.
- Review contractors’ construction-phase LEED submittals.
- Submit design-phase LEED credits.

Closeout
- Complete enhanced commissioning and measurement and verification.
- Submit construction-phase LEED credits.