An Introduction To Green Building Construction Contracts

By Jessalyn Dingwell on February 21, 2010 1 Comment American Institute of Architects, Association of General Contractors, B214–2007, building law, Chris Cheatham, ConsensusDOCS, construction law, contract law, energy, energy efficiency, environment, environmental, G802-2007, green building, Green Building Addendum, green building contract, Green Building Facilitator, green design, green economy, green jobs, LEED, LEED points, LEED rating system, LEEDigation, renewable energy, solar energy, sustainability, sustainable building, sustainable design, third-party certification, U.S. Green Building Council

As an increasing number of contractors seek LEED and other third-party green building certifications, the complex set of documents used to manage construction projects must adapt to reflect the challenges and risks inherent in green building. Risks include the use of new materials and design techniques, uncertainty around the performance of the building upon completion and the ability to actually achieve a third-party certification. Both the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Association of General Contractors publish form contracts to demonstrate how to draft contracts that adequately address these risks.