Construction contracts are used to define relationships between the key players of a project (i.e. architect, general contractor, sub-contractors, engineers, LEED® APs), and to create a process for decision making and dispute resolution that is agreed to beforehand by all parties. When building green, it is even more important to have in place a well defined system of accountability because of the added responsibilities that come with LEED® Certification. Thus, it is a good idea to look at the following documents before drafting your construction contract for a LEED® project:
ConsensusDOCS 310 Green Building Addendum
Our friend Christopher Cheatham over at the Green Building Law Update recently helped to draft the ConsensusDOCS 310 Green Building Addendum. The ConsesusDOCS 310 Green Building Addendum is a comprehensive construction contract created by the Association of General Contractors (AGC) that addresses the unique risks and responsibilities associated with building green projects.
AIA – B214 Standard Form of Architect’s Services: LEED® Certification
Created by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), AIA – B214 establishes duties and responsibilities between an owner and architect when an owner seeks LEED® certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. B214 sets up a system whereby the architect agrees to closely monitor the LEED® certification process. The architect’s services include conducting a pre-design workshop where the LEED rating system will be reviewed and LEED points will be targeted, preparing a LEED Certification Plan, monitoring the LEED Certification process, providing LEED specifications for inclusion in the Contract Documents and preparing a LEED Certification Report detailing the LEED rating the project achieved.
In the coming weeks I will be doing a comprehensive review both these documents in series of posts.
