Leed Certification: a Comparison of Contractors' Perspectives

Abstract

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system for green buildings has been used extensively in the US and has gained increased attention in developing countries as well. The related literature focuses extensively on the perspectives of owners and designers, whereas constructors' role receives less attention. One significant research is based on a survey administered to 22 contractors, who built LEED certified green building projects in the US. The survey inquired about earned LEED credits and best practices in LEED certification process regarding past experiences. The same survey was administered to seven Turkish contractors, who also built LEED certified green buildings in Turkey. The similarities and differences between US and Turkish constructors' perspectives were studied. Both groups stated that the LEED process was slightly difficult or was just straightforward. US contractors needed a lot of additional time for the LEED documentation; Turkish contractors required no extra time. LEED certification system incurred a little additional cost for US contractors; however Turkish contractors mentioned about up to 10% additional project costs. The achieved LEED credits from materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality by the two groups of contractors were highly correlated. Both groups emphasized the inclusion of LEED documentation and specifications in coordination meetings and in subcontracts to streamline the process; and emphasized the early collaboration of the entire project team for earning LEED credits. Copyright © 2013 by Research Publishing Services.