Lean to be Green
IPD Case Study
University of Winnipeg - Richardson College for the Environment
When high expectations for its new environmental facility hit up against the familiar obstacle of budget constraints, the University of Winnipeg found an unorthodox solution. Using a process called Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), it formed a partnership that integrated project participants in a cooperative team focused on a common goal, which was to deliver the best quality Richardson College for the Environment facility in the most cost-effective way. 
“North Americas Most Energy Efficient Sustainable Laboratory Building.”
The selection of building systems to achieve paradigm shift changes in performance was achieved by designing innovative laboratory ventilation volume control and heat recovery systems. RCFE will utilize a three level lab air change rate (Red-Yellow-Green Light System) that is based upon using the appropriate amount of air in the lab based upon the actual use.
In addition to significantly reducing the amount of air that will be required to safely operate the labs, the project team has incorporated an industry leading SEMCO heat recovery wheel that has been developed in collaboration with John Hopkins Research Labs and Hospitals. This heat recovery wheel will enable 80% heat recovering including fume hood exhaust.
The IPD process was key to meeting the schedule for this type of project as it would not have been possible to get executive approval for starting the building foundations without having confidence in the numbers for the significant major building envelope components, controls, mechanical and electrical systems. It was amazing how accurate the estimates were considering that they were based upon very preliminary design drawings. This was achieved because the designers and contractors collaborated and had a meeting of the minds on best value building system solutions in real time. 
Sherman Kreiner, Director of Community Renewal Corp, needed the team to commit to a “True Fixed Price” that represented the final real number based upon a design that the contractors helped create and would be motivated to deliver. That is where the value lies! With a high level of contractor involvement in the design, we will deliver this project at lower cost and much lower risk as measured by a less than 2% contingency.
By using the IPD methodology, our team was able to significantly reduce project costs, meet the Owners project requirements of delivering a LEED Gold Signature Building, while having a process that needed to withstand the scrutiny of a financial and process audit.
The University of Winnipeg recognizes the added value of the IPD method and, based upon the success of the RCFE and Buhler Center projects, are in the process of changing their procurement policy to make IPD their preferred project delivery method.
Lean project delivery has enabled the IDI Project Management Group to deliver exceptional value for the U of W because the owner was willing to take a leadership role in adopting a new approach. This was possible by selecting and working with the best team available to optimize value. It is as simple as that and open book keeps all the cards on the table so that even the financial auditor has been seen the evidence and has endorsed the process.
Murray Guy
Integrated Designs
Twitter Lean_tobe_Green
Additional Integrated Project Delivery Project Summaries
The Churchill Northern Studies Center demonstrates that Integrated Project Delivery can help to minimize risk on complicated northern sustainable projects.
IPD our team to start construction prior to the design being complete so that we could meet infrastructure spending requirements. The establishment of a collaborative trustful relationship with contractors has been key in delivering this project to meet budget.
The Buhler Center demonstrates that Integrated Project Delivery can be used to deliver a unique cost effective high performance Art Gallery for $212 per sq.ft.
By using the IPD methodology, our team was able to significantly reduce project costs and deliver a LEED Silver Art Gallery Building.
The U of W recognizes the added value of the IPD method and is in the process of changing their procurement policy to make IPD their preferred process.
The Evident Office Building demonstrates that IPD is an effective process for having a high level of collaboration and value creation.
Gold ++ Corporate Office Building
“The collaboration element of Integrated Project Delivery was fantastic, thedesign team and the contractors acted as though it was their money they were spending.”
CEO Dennis Birtles
The Nortep Large Family Sustainable Housing Project demonstrates that IPD can deliver high building for less capital cost with the right team.
This 8 unit project was constructed to minimize building loads utilizing double wall construction, triple glazed windows, heat recovery and was delivered for an amazing $170/sq.ft. Waskahikan Builders delivered an exceptional project with a true spirit of collaboration.
