P7.1: Communicate and Verify Sustainable Construction Practices – Above Green

INTENT

Ensure site performance by communicating and verifying the implementation of sustainable practices throughout the construction process.

REQUIREMENTS

Designate an integrated design team member (see Pre-Design P2.1: Use an integrative design process), other than the contractor, who will be responsible for verifying the site is built per the construction specifications and drawings.
Before construction starts, hold a meeting that includes at least one person from each discipline from the integrated design team, plus the major subcontractors.
- Review construction specifications and drawings and convey the project’s sustainability principles and performance goals to the contractor and subcontractors.
- Review the steps needed to achieve all the prerequisites and pursued credits.
- Hold additional meetings as necessary when additional subcontractors are hired.
Prior to construction, create a SITES Punchlist that assigns responsibility for each prerequisite and desired credit in a worksheet (see SITES Punchlist Worksheet) to a member of the integrated design team. That person will sign off on each assigned item as it is implemented.

RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES

Provide SITES Punchlist Worksheet for distribution to contractor prior to the beginning of construction. Update and re-issue it as construction progresses.
Encourage the site contractor to designate a staff person to track SITES-related work and communicate with the integrated design team as needed from design phase through maintenance period.
To increase awareness of critical path items, coordinate with construction sequencing to produce and distribute a graphic timeline for SITES Punchlist items.
Discuss resources (i.e., budget, staff, volunteers, equipment, and materials) available during the construction process. Determine short- and long-term sustainability principles and performance goals.