I recently read an article about software programs that help manage and organize documentation required for LEED submittals. I have to admit I was unaware of such programs.

The article states: “Tracking LEED credits is a document-intensive process…Submittal documentation includes drawings, receipts, product spec sheets, photos, commission plans and more. Adding to the clutter, numerous project members will access and edit these documents.”

With the launch of LEED v3, the new LEED online system promised to make the submittal process easier and more streamlined than it had been previously (read more about that here). With that in mind, my initial reaction to the article was that using such software seems like an extra and unnecessary step. Why not just gather up all the submittals once and put them into LEED online? After all, that is what LEED online is – a tracking mechanism to help ensure that a project is meeting the LEED requirements

After some more thought, I concede that it makes sense to stay as organized as possible. Which lead me to my second reaction, that such software might be helpful for people using the LEED system for their first time. Of course, it might also be helpful for people who use LEED online all the time who have trouble managing all the documentation requirements or the number of people involved in a project who also have access to the project’s online documentation.

The article shows screen captures of two such programs. Looking at these images I can imagine that using the software to help track MR credits that require documentation of percentages or weight of a material may be beneficial. At that point, if it’s useful for one credit category you might as well use it for the rest…

My conclusion is that widespread use and success of software will depend entirely on personal preferences, organizational skills and experience and familiarity with the LEED online process. People who learn to use software as an organization tool may prefer to continue to use it. However, people who have never used it and are relatively comfortable and familiar with the LEED online system may find it to be an extra step