There's nothing particularly new about environmentally friendly construction. But some contractors still see certain risks and are hesitant to throw their hardhats into the ring. So what exactly are the risks of green building? Here are a few to consider — along with some tips on how to mitigate them.
Cost uncertainties
Among the most significant risks to green construction has been cost. And the initial cost of a sustainable project can be higher than that of a conventional one.
This has been changing, however, as the popularity of sustainable components is driving down their costs. Today, the first cost of a sustainable building is often the same as or lower than that of a traditional structure. Much depends on establishing an efficient and trustworthy procurement system.
Design confusion
If sustainable building elements are added to a project during construction, it can create confusion and conflict. Why? Because those elements may not add up to what's stipulated in the contract. Thus, significant green efforts must begin at the design stage to be cost-effective.
If you begin working with the owner and architect early in the process, you can collaborate on how to structure the building envelope and HVAC systems to take maximum advantage of the climate and positioning of the building. Increased use of south-facing windows for natural light may, for example, help lower heating costs in Maine but drive up cooling costs in New Mexico .
Certification challenges
Establishing your construction company's green reputation will likely call for obtaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. LEED is the most widely recognized measure of excellence in sustainable construction, both for buildings and for the professionals who design and build them. Because LEED building accreditation is based on a point system, having LEED-certified employees on staff can help ensure you don't lose points because you didn't follow required procedures.
So what's the risk? Well, learning LEED requirements and how to adapt them to your construction company's procedures will take much time and effort. And all this could go to waste if your workforce doesn't follow through on the sustainable plan. Getting a project certified will also take extra time out of your schedule.
It's game on
So is your construction company game for a sustainable project? In our current, fragile economy, it's likely not easy to turn down any jobs. But that doesn't mean you should jump at any green project that comes along, because sustainable building does have its risks. Then again, this is one approach to construction that's probably not going away.
