Key MID Practices
The following key and detailed MID practices have been established for commercial and residential development. They address design intent, site selection/design, and building design, construction, and operation/maintenance (O&M). Commercial Buildings
Building Process / Design Intent (Commercial)
C1. Use a team-based approach to establish client goals and design intent (size, durability, longevity, performance, adaptability) with client, architect, and building performance specialist. C2. Use energy modeling to inform the design process
(Energy 10; REM Design; DOE-2).C3. Communicate the design intent early and during the process (explain "why") C4. Hire construction professionals early in the design process to integrate design intent with constructability. C5. Ask for suggestions, new ideas, and possible improvements or refinements. C6. Convene a building team at the end of the process to verify successful implementation of the design intent.
Site or Project Selection (Commercial) C7. Reuse and redevelop wherever feasible. C8. Assess and rank site or project options based on it fitting with MID principles and key practices.
Building Design (Commercial) C9. Celebrate the "New Hampshire Character," and strive to delight occupants and passers-by. C10. Locate buildings, roads, paths, parking, and utilities to minimize site disturbance and impact. C11. Try to share facilities or amenities with neighboring properties (parking, open space, recreation, commercial / retail services, water supply, etc.). C12. Building orientation matters! Get "free assistance" from site conditions for heating & cooling, lighting, and ventilation. C13. Let form follow function—design from the inside out by planning spaces to meet current user needs for adaptive reuses (changes in floor plan, interior wall locations, building function, utilities, water treatment, etc.). C14. Use life cycle cost analysis on building components. C15. Incorporate building commissioning planning into the design process. C16. Ensure indoor environmental quality (ventilation, temperature and thermal comfort, humidity, natural and electrical lighting, acoustics, materials and finishes, drinking water, and solid waste management). C17. Optimize thermal performance of the envelope (floor, walls, ceilings, roof, windows) with insulation, air sealing, and moisture protection from precipitation and condensation). C18. Minimize all building loads first, then integrate system design for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, water supply and waste water, and solid waste). C19. Reliable power supply is important enough to incorporate on-site power generation. C20. Choose wildlife-friendly details (external window/door screens to minimize bird collisions; stepped window wells; screens on chimneys and flues, etc.).
Building Construction (Commercial) C21. Orient all contractors and subs to the building and performance goals. C22. Prohibit unauthorized substitutions. C23. Go for "no or low stink" (odor) on all materials. C24. Institutionalize attention to detail in thermal envelope construction. C25. Allow adequate time for critical detailed tasks. C26. Require a plan for construction waste management to maximize material reuse and recycling.
Operation & Maintenance (O & M) (Commercial) C27. Verify design intent and performance of budding systems through building commissioning, with written documentation. C28. Educate occupants and continuously train staff in optimal O&M of the building systems. C29. Encourage suggestions and feedback from occupants and maintenance staff. C30. If there is no 0 & M responsibility on site, provide contract maintenance to meet all 0 & M requirements.
Residential — "Top 10" Questions to Ask If you would like a home with quality, comfort, function, and delight, that truly is the "most home for the money," here are some questions to ask your architect or designer, your builder, the previous owner (or your Realtor, who may know or be able to find out):
R1. What did you consider when you selected the site? OR, how did you plan the subdivision? (How did you decide where to set the building(s) on the lot? What about wetlands and water drainage, slopes, sunlight, views, wildlife?) R2. How does the design make this home: a. Comfortable (excellent air quality; no drafts; indoor temperatures that are cool in the summer and warm in the winter; good humidity levels; cooking odors managed; quiet)? b. Safe (positive ventilation system, direct venting for water heater, furnace, boiler, etc.; air supply for wood stove; radon mitigation; capable of managing an extended power failure)? c. Delightful (visual quality)? d. Fully useful (effective, efficient, and adaptable use of space)? R3. Excessive moisture is the enemy of any structure. How do you ensure it doesn’t get into this home (drainage, insulation, venting, air sealing, and moisture barriers at roof, walls, windows, doors, ceilings, and at penetrations for vents, chimney, conduits; venting in bathrooms)? R4. How did you choose, or what do you recommend, for the lighting fixtures and light bulbs, as well as the appliances? R5. What environmentally friendly materials were used (locally grown, produced, or manufactured; certified wood; recycled content)? R6. How much does/will this home cost to operate (annual costs for fuel, electricity, and water)? R7. What maintenance will it need (painting, roof)? And how often? R8. Disposing of construction debris can be a big expense to municipalities. How did you minimize, manage, and ultimately dispose of your construction waste? R9. Can I get a "homeowners manual" for this home (with photos documenting construction details, a description of specific construction practices, and warranties and manuals for all materials and appliances)? R10. What else can you tell me about how this home will keep its comfort and value over time? This site is a collaboration of The Jordan Institute and the Audubon Society of New Hampshire - November, 2001
