New Contract Document Gets Big Endorsements

A coalition of 23 construction groups, including the Associated General Contractors and the American Subcontractors Association, have endorsed a new model-contract document meant to aid project teams on green building projects. “Despite a critical need, standard-form contracts had failed to adequately address the elevated risks involved in the design and construction of a green building,” says Brian M. Perlberg, executive director of ConsensusDOCS, which recently released the ConsensusDOCS 310 Green Building Addendum. The document defines the relatives roles and responsibilities needed to successfully deliver a green building project, Perlberg says. Under the form, a new role, called a green-building facilitator, is created. The person or entity in that role is charged with identifying, coordinating and implementing documentation to achieve the project’s sustainability goals. The document is neutral and can be appended to any standard or nonstandard contract document, including American Institute of Architect forms and ConsensusDOCS. It also can be used with any green-building rating system, says Perlberg.