Terms like “green” and “reducing your carbon footprint” have gone beyond being fashionable terms to influencing activities in various industries. Construction is one field where the impact has been especially evident, but these projects are not without challenges. Contractors have found many ways to deal with the problems routinely encountered in green construction. Now it is not unusual to construction projects with a heavy emphasis on environmental awareness. In fact, this is sometimes a requirement of building authorities in some areas.
It is possible to have a green design and construction and still get a return on your investment. Construction companies now devote much attention to the concept of sustainability and how it can improve the services they offer to clients.
The Planning Phase
Sustainable practices will not do much good if they are integrated into a project after it has started. It is best to think about the path to sustainability when the planning phase begins. This will benefit all involved in the project by:
- Assisting in working out all the costs of the project. If the materials are identified early, it is easier to create a budget and to stick to it.
- Streamlining the project. After a determination on green building, the builder can identify all the tasks involved and work all the details accordingly. This results in increased efficiency and timely completion of the project.
- Identifying goals. Making a note of goals early on is the best way keep track of the completion of each phase of the project.
- Encouraging collaboration. Before the project starts, it is wise to get all parties together to have a clear understanding of what they hope to achieve. At this time everyone involved can offer valuable input
Certification
One of the goals of any builder involved in a green project is to obtain certification. Green Globes and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design provide sustainability ratings for these types of projects. These agencies are beneficial to construction companies that adhere to green principles. They provide valuable information on new technologies that can help to simplify future projects.
These projects can benefit from a commitment to brainstorming and detailed planning. Achieving success is dependent on a focus on return on investment and maintaining efficiency. One important note is that the brainstorming sessions should include the owner or the user of the completed building.
Our project planners and construction project managers are well versed in sustainable building measures and will help you make the best decisions throughout the process. Give us a call at 407-316-8544 to discuss your upcoming green construction plans or to discuss hiring us to manage your construction project.