As you all could probably guess, I was unable to attend Greenbuild this year. The arrival of my son has kept me at home – and I’m not complaining. But Greenbuild appears to have stepped up to new heights and I am sorry that I missed the festivities. One intriguing new release announced at the event: AIA’s new “Sustainable Project” documents.

The American Institute of Architects publishes its standard form contracts on a ten (10) year cycle. Of course, law and policy changes much more regularly than that. So, the AIA releases “language updates” from time to time.

AIA releases new "green" agreements.

At Greenbuild, the AIA introduced a new set of documents intended for “Sustainable Projects” – or those impacted by green building codes, goals or certification. The documents supplement the terms of their AIA standard agreements, and are not intended to be an overhaul of sorts.

The AIA has issued these documents free of charge on their website. From first glance, these documents appear to be a good start. Some contractors can use the language suggestions to learn many of the risks associated with green building.  But, remember that a contract template is not appropriate for every project. Its important to sit down with your counsel and ensure that your contract adequately protects you and your business on each project.

Below is the press release issued by the AIA:

 

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (AIA) INTRODUCES FIVE NEW DOCUMENTS FOR USE ON SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS

 

New documents based on concepts and model language included in the AIA’s Guide for Sustainable Projects

 

TORONTO – October 4, 2011 – Five AIA Contract Documents are going green! Developed using AIA’s flagship documents as a base, and incorporating concepts and model language from the AIA’s Guide for Sustainable Projects, the new documents address the unique roles, risks and opportunities encountered on sustainable design and construction projects.

 

“The development of these new documents for sustainable projects is a natural next step following the release of the Guide for Sustainable Projects in the spring,” said Ken Cobleigh, Managing Director and Counsel for AIA Contract Documents Content. “We continue to see a demand for incorporating sustainable elements in projects. The AIA Contract Documents program continues to revise existing documents and develop new documents and guides, as necessary, to remain current with trends and changes in the industry and law.”

 

The new AIA Contract Documents created for use on sustainable projects include:

 

1.            A101™-2007 SP, Standard Form of Agreement between Owner and Contractor, for use on a Sustainable Project where the basis of payment is a Stipulated Sum

2.            B101™-2007 SP, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect, for use on a Sustainable Project

3.            A201™-2007 SP, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, for use on a Sustainable Project

4.            C401™-2007 SP, Standard Form of Agreement Between Architect and Consultant, for use on a Sustainable Project

5.            A401™-2007 SP, Standard Form of Agreement Between Contractor and Subcontractor, for use on a Sustainable Project

 

AIA Document D503™-2011, Guide for Sustainable Projects, including Agreement Amendments and Supplementary Conditions, was released by the AIA in May 2011. In the short time since it was released, over 4,000 users have downloaded the Guide. In addition to providing model language that may be used to amend or supplement AIA Contract Documents for design-bid-build projects, the Guide discusses the applicability of key concepts to other delivery models such as design-build, construction management and integrated project delivery.

 

Because the AIA believes the Guide is an important resource for the design and construction industry, it is available as a free download at www.aia.org/sustainableprojectsguide.

 

Availability

These new documents will be available in the first quarter of 2012 as part of the new AIA Contract Documents service and AIA Documents on Demand®. To purchase these and other AIA Contract Documents, please go to http://www.aia.org/contractdocs/index.htm.

 

About The American Institute of Architects

For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.