Green Property Condition Assessment

Here at Natura we assess the condition of many buildings. While the physical condition of a building and all of its building systems are important considerations, there’s typically one idea that is not considered…how to make the building more efficient to operate. Natura Architectural Consulting believes that sustainability best practices should be incorporated in each and every project.  That is why we suggest performing a Green Property Condition Assessment.

Focus on Sustainable Practices

A typical property condition assessment (PCA) is an apples to apples analysis of a building. If a more efficient system exists that reduces operation costs of a building, the ASTM standard that guides a typical PCA does not allow such a system to be considered in the assessment. A Green Property Condition Assessment (GPCA) breaks away from the constraints of a typical PCA and not only identifies physical deficiencies, it makes recommendations on how to make a building healthier and more energy efficient to operate. This saves building owners operational dollars and increases the value of real estate investments.

All aspects of sustainability can be considered in a GPCA including; efficient site design and stormwater management, energy efficiency, water saving features, the use of recycled materials, and safeguarding the indoor air quality of the building. HUD protocols are focusing more on energy conservation measures to provide sustainable housing.

Relevant Deficiencies

A typical PCA is a straightforward summary describing the overall condition and relevant deficiencies discovered in a building. A list of specific deficiencies are classified as immediate or deferred maintenance items with recommended actions and budgetary costs. A Green PCA features many of the same aspects of a typical PCA but goes beyond and identifies deficiencies and recommends the most sustainable method to remedy the condition. A separate cost table that compares traditional replacement costs to the sustainable recommendations including approximate pay back period is provided.

Energy and Sustainability Assessments

A full energy audit is sometimes included in a Green PCAs. Energy audits are an even deeper look into the energy use of a building with analysis and in-depth calculations of payback period and return on investment.

Natura’s experienced building professionals are fully trained in commercial and multifamily energy auditing. Energy Audits can be performed at several different levels of effort including:   Building Energy Performance Assessments (ASTM E2797-15 BEPA Benchmark), and ASHRAE Level 1, 2, or 3 energy audits that are increasingly more in depth and rigorous.

At Natura, #WeLoveBuildings, and we love to make buildings more energy efficient and healthy for their occupants. Do you have questions on how to reduce your building operation costs? Give the building experts at NAC a call to develop a plan!