American Institute of Architects’ 2017 updates of contract documents provide detailed guidelines on how to devise and assign responsibility for sustainable elements of a construction project.
Key points of Document E204–2017 include:
- A requirement for the architect and owner to hold a sustainable design feature workshop
- Delineation of testing and implementation strategies to achieve sustainability goals
- Allocation of responsibility for sustainable measures
Other provisions address specific sustainable issues such as materials substitutions, construction waste management, registration with certifying authority, and achieving a sustainable objective at substantial and final completion. The overall sustainability plan is defined as a contract document.
Owners, architects, and contractors are expected to understand the sustainability plan and their responsibilities in performing measures that are assigned to them. The document states that the contractor does not guarantee achievement of the sustainable objective (such as LEED certification) but is responsible if the company fails to live up to its duties to perform sustainable measures assigned to it.
E204 is meant as an attachment to the owner-architect agreement, the owner-contractor agreement, and other project-related agreements as appropriate. This document replaces earlier documents D503–2011 and A141–2014 Exhibit C. The latter was meant specifically for design/build contracts. The new document addresses sustainability for projects of all types of delivery methods.
For more information, visit: www.aiacontracts.org.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 20, 2019
OSHA has a new chief for its construction directorate
Former Army medical staffer Scott Ketcham has extensive OSHA experience.
Codes and Standards | Sep 20, 2019
American Wood Council updates free Connection Calculator
Tool includes cross-laminated timber connection provisions and post-frame ring shank nails.
Codes and Standards | Sep 19, 2019
Virtual reconnaissance of Bahamas finds some structures performed well during Dorian
Amid devastation, lives likely saved by resilient buildings.
Codes and Standards | Sep 19, 2019
Obama-era Waters of the U.S. rule revoked
New rule expected to define protected waterways more narrowly.
Codes and Standards | Sep 17, 2019
California will enact rent cap bill limiting rent increases to 5% plus inflation
Applies to apartments built at least 15 years ago.
Codes and Standards | Sep 17, 2019
Zero energy buildings can be constructed with no added upfront cost
ROI can be realized in as little as one year.
Codes and Standards | Sep 13, 2019
Researchers use U. of Arkansas buildings as testbed for CLT panels
Investigation could influence future use of the materials.
Codes and Standards | Sep 13, 2019
At least 30 U.S. cities have adopted stricter building energy codes since 2017
Some followed their states in implementing more robust standards.
Codes and Standards | Sep 12, 2019
Illinois law sets maximum retainage on private projects
The change is expected to give contractors bigger checks earlier in project timeline.
Codes and Standards | Sep 10, 2019
Retreat may be the best option for some coastal communities in face of sea level rise
A new study makes the case for relocating in a "strategic, managed" manner.