What are the most effective strategies for delivering a green project?

1 Define the green goals

The first step to delivering a green project is to define the green goals that you want to achieve. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), and aligned with the project scope, budget, and schedule. You should also consider the expectations and requirements of the client, the stakeholders, and the end-users, as well as the applicable standards and regulations. For example, you may want to aim for a certain level of certification from a green building rating system, such as LEED, BREEAM, or Green Star.

2 Integrate the green design

The next step is to integrate the green design into the project delivery process. This means that you should involve the green design team, such as architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors, from the early stages of the project, and ensure that they collaborate and communicate effectively throughout the project lifecycle. You should also use tools and methods that support the green design, such as building information modeling (BIM), life cycle assessment (LCA), and energy modeling. These can help you optimize the environmental performance, functionality, and aesthetics of the project.

3 Implement the green practices

The third step is to implement the green practices during the construction phase of the project. These practices include using green materials, equipment, and technologies, minimizing waste and emissions, conserving water and energy, protecting the site and the surrounding environment, and ensuring the health and safety of the workers and the community. You should also monitor and document the green practices, and verify that they comply with the green goals and the green design. You can use tools and methods such as checklists, audits, inspections, and reports to track and measure the green performance of the project.

4 Educate and engage the green team

The fourth step is to educate and engage the green team, which consists of all the people involved in the project delivery, from the managers to the subcontractors. You should provide them with adequate training, information, and feedback on the green aspects of the project, and motivate them to adopt and follow the green practices. You should also create a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement among the green team, and recognize and reward their efforts and achievements. By doing so, you can enhance the quality, efficiency, and satisfaction of the project delivery.

5 Communicate and promote the green value

The fifth step is to communicate and promote the green value of the project to the external audiences, such as the client, the stakeholders, the end-users, and the public. You should highlight the benefits and impacts of the green project, such as reduced environmental footprint, improved indoor environment quality, lower operating costs, higher market value, and increased social responsibility. You should also use various channels and platforms to showcase the green features and achievements of the project, such as websites, social media, newsletters, press releases, and events.

6 Learn and improve from the green feedback

The final step is to learn and improve from the green feedback that you receive from the project delivery. This feedback can come from different sources, such as the green team, the client, the stakeholders, the end-users, and the green rating systems. You should analyze and evaluate the feedback, and identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the project delivery. You should also use the feedback to improve your skills, knowledge, and practices for future green projects, and to share your lessons and best practices with others in the industry.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?