Interesting article from Mark Stempler in the March 9 issue of the Daily Business Review. Noting that “sustainable building is booming in Florida”, he discusses some of the unique considerations that should be addressed in the contract for these types of ventures.
Contracts for sustainable projects, however, are often not tailored to address the many issues and nuances that can appear with these types of projects. Whether the project is a new construction or renovations or retrofitting, a sustainability-focused contract is the best way to prevent problems later on.
The contract should be as specific about the project’s green goal
Simply using terms like green building, sustainable building or high-performing building are not enough because it is unclear what the precise goal is. For example, if a project is aimed at reducing a building’s electricity costs by a certain percentage range, that goal should be identified in the contract. In addition, an owner may require a third-party green rating certification like LEED. Which rating system and which level within that system is sought to be achieved should be identified so everyone knows what is expected.
Alternatives to Performance Guarantees
Mark outlines why project guarantees can be problematic in a sustainable building project, and suggests performance bonuses as a possible alternative.
An alternative to a guaranty is a performance bonus or bonuses based on the certification or performance levels achieved. In other words, a contract will describe a base fee for services on the project and then allow for additional compensation depending on level of certification the building gets or based on the level of performance of the building after occupancy.
The “green” building industry is growing rapidly.
In 2016, the Sunshine State ranked fourth in the number of LEED certified projects in the U.S. at 204, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. Florida now is home to more than 1,400 LEED-certified projects. LEED, short for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the world’s most widely used sustainable or green building rating system.
With that kind of growth, Mark’s recommendations are important and timely. To read more, here is a link to the Daily Business Review article, “Potential for Twists and Turns in Contracts for Sustainable Building”
Mark J. Stempler is a shareholder with Becker & Poliakoff in West Palm Beach. He is board-certified in construction law and is certified as a LEED green associate, and focuses his practice in the areas of construction law, government law and bid protests, and civil litigation. He may be reached at mstempler@bplegal.com.
Ivan Zapryanov
April 29, 2017 at 8:52 amDear Sir/Madam,
My name is Ivan Zapryanov. I am a civil engineer. I have experience more than 15 years in construction. Now I am finishing my second master’s in Sustainable Energy Systems Management in Groningen(Energy valley), Netherlands. I would like to apply for internship in your company for doing master thesis project. It can be on topic which is important and interesting both for me and you.
The theme of the master thesis project could be like:
– Business case project assessment
– Cost benefit analysis of project
– Energy Sustainable City
– Energy Sustainable Buildings
– Energy self-sufficient homes
– Self-sufficient municipality, city or village
– Large scale energy storages
– Power to gas ( transformation of electricity to hydrogen)
– Gas to Power business case ( Hydrogen to electricity)
– Hydrogen production and distribution
– Management of Renewable Energy Resources and production.
– Energy Transition from fossil energy to renewable energy resources.
– Smart Electricity Grids (block chain technology)
– Solar and Wind parks development and implementation
– Sustainable Real estate developments
– New energy ventures
– Sustainable transport
– Sustainable entrepreneurship and etc.
I would like to clarify more my suggestion. I do not want just to admit me for thesis project and after that to fly away to some other company. My willingness is to fulfill project for you company and if you are satisfied from my knowledge, capabilities and skills I would like to continue to work for you.
Could you please consider this application as serious request on my behalf. I am a loyal, responsive, cooperative and responsible person. I will not disappoint you and believe that you will be satisfied from my work.
I will be very grateful if you admit me. It will be honor for me to be part of your team of specialists and professionals in your company.
Thank you very much.
Have a nice day!
Sincere Regards,
Ivan Zapryanov
+359 887 35 55 33
+31 682 54 21 15