New Resource Guide from AIA
AIA to release guide for sustainable projects at May convention
In 2007, the AIA published standard owner-architect agreements that required the architect to communicate with the project owner on sustainable design alternatives. While this raised the requirements placed on architects and, mostly likely, the expectations of their clients who signed AIA standard contracts, there was a significant lack of guidance for architects on the contractual considerations unique to sustainable design and construction.
Into this void the ConsensusDOCS coalition introduced its Green Building Addendum that defined the goals, set out the expectations, and structured a delivery mechanism for green or high-performance projects by parsing out the roles of the owner, design firm, and constructor of a project.
Now, the AIA has announced that it will release AIA Document D503-2011, Guide for Sustainable Projects, including Agreement Amendments and Supplementary Conditions, which is meant to assist users of AIA documents by providing model language that can be used to amend or supplement key AIA contract documents for use in these types of projects.
According to the AIA, the guide will address the current state of sustainable design and construction, discussing issues and concepts, including:
- Certification systems, codes, and legislation affecting sustainable design and construction projects;
- Risks and responsibilities faced by project owners, contractors, and architects on sustainable design and construction projects; and
- Recommendations for model language to assist the architect in developing a scope of services and to assist all project participants in appropriately allocating risks and responsibilities.
The AIA will not be selling the guide as part of its contract documents system; it will be available as a free download at www.aia.org/sustainableprojectsguide following its introduction in May at the AIA’s annual convention.