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N E W B U S I N E S S S E C TO R S
Emerging Green MarketsStrategies for Electrical Contractors on LEED®
and Green Building Projects
Emerging Green MarketsStrategies for Electrical Contractors on LEED®
and Green Building Projects
ELECTRI InternationalThe Foundation for Electrical Construction, Inc.ELECTRI InternationalThe Foundation for Electrical Construction, Inc.
Pennsylvania State UniversityDavid Riley, PhDMichael Horman, PhDJeffrey Park
Pennsylvania State UniversityDavid Riley, PhDMichael Horman, PhDJeffrey Park
PRESIDENT’S COUNSEL$1,000,000 or more
Albert G. Wendt*Cannon & Wendt Electric Co., Arizona
Richard W. McBride*Southern Contracting Co., California
National Electrical Contractors Association*
Square D/Schneider Electric
PROGRAM GUARANTOR $500,000 or more
The Okonite Company
DIPLOMAT$350,000 or more
Electrical Contractors Trust of Alameda County
San Diego County Chapter, NECA
REGENTS $250,000 or more
ContractorsH.E. “Buck” Autrey*
Ron AutreyMiller Electric Co., Florida
John R. ColsonHouston, Texas
Robert E. Doran III*Capital Electric Construction, Kansas,
In memory of Robert E. Doran, Jr.
Nicholas Dutto Metropolitan Electrical Construction, California
Jerrold H. Nixon Eric F. Nixon
Maron Electric Co., Illinois
Chapters and Affiliates
Chicago & Cook County Chapter, NECA
Northeastern Illinois Chapter, NECA
Northern Indiana Chapter, NECA
Southeastern Michigan Chapter, NECA*
Manufacturers
ACCUBID
Eaton Electrical
Estimation
McCormick Systems
GOVERNORS $150,000 or more
Contractors
Arthur Ashley Ferndale Electric Co., Michigan
Clyde JonesCenter Line Electric, Inc., Michigan
Michael Lindheim*Schwartz & Lindheim, California
Richard R. Pieper, Sr.*PPC Partners, Inc., Wisconsin
James A. RanckJ. Ranck Electric, Inc., Michigan
Dan Walsh United Electric Co., Inc., Kentucky
Chapters
Illinois Chapter, NECA*
Kansas City Chapter, NECA
Los Angeles County Chapter, NECA
Northern New Jersey Chapter, NECA
Manufacturers and Distributors
Thomas & Betts Corporation
Panduit Corporation
* denotes founding member ofELECTRI’21 COUNCIL (1989–1990)
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E L E C T R I C o u n c i lELECTRI International—The Foundation for Electrical Construction, Inc.
As of August 15, 2007
FOUNDERS $100,000 or more
Manufacturers and Distributors
Advance Transformer/Philips Lighting
Crescent Electric Supply Company
Graybar
Greenlee Textron
Ruud Lighting
Thomas Industries
Utility
San Diego Gas & Electric
Contractors
Ted C. AntonNewkirk Electric Associates, Inc., Michigan
Ted N. BakerBaker Electric, Inc., California
D. R. “Rod” Borden, Jr.*Tri-City Electric Co., Inc., Florida
Daniel Bozick Daniel’s Electrical Construction Company, Inc.,
California
Larry Brookshire* Fisk Acquisition, Inc., Texas
Jay BruceBruce & Merrilees Electric Co., Pennsylvania
Richard L. Burns*Burns Electric Company, Inc., New York
Brian ChristopherOregon City, Oregon
Larry CogburnCogburn Bros. Electric, Inc., Florida
Michael CurranRed Top Electric Company Emeryville, Inc., California,
In honor of George T. and Mary K. Curran
Ben D’AlessandroL.K. Comstock & Co., Inc., New York
Gene W. DennisUniversal Systems, Michigan
Frank DiFazioDiFazio Electric, Inc., New York
William T. Divane, Jr.Divane Bros. Electric Co., Illinois,
In memory of William T. Divane, Sr.and Daniel J. Divane III
FOUNDERS, CONTINUED
Contractors
Robert Egizii EEI Holding Corporation, Illinois
Randy Fehlman *Gregg Electric, Inc., California
Rex A. FerryValley Electrical Consolidated, Inc., Ohio
Brad GilesGiles Electric Company, Inc., Florida
Darrell GossettERMCO, Indiana
John F. Hahn, Jr.*Peter D. Furness Electric Co., Delaware
Michael HansonHunt Electric Corporation, Minnesota
Eddie E. HortonDallas, Texas
Mark A. HustonLone Star Electric, Texas
Thomas G. IspasDaniel’s Electrical Construction Company, Inc.,
California
Donald W. Leslie, Sr.Johnson Electrical Construction Corporation, New York
Richard J. Martin*Motor City Electric Co., Michigan
Roy C. Martin, Jr.Triangle Electric, Michigan
Edward C. MattoxInland Electric Corporation, Illinois
Michael MazzeoMichael Mazzeo Electric Corp., New York
Michael McAlisterMRM Electrical/Communications, California
James C. Mc AteeElectric Power Equipment
Company, Ohio
Timothy McBride*Southern Contracting Co., California
Edward T. McPhee, Jr.McPhee, Ltd., Connecticut
James B. Morgan, Sr.Harrington Electric Co., Ohio
Harvey MorrisonPritchard Electric Co., West Virginia
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FOUNDERS, CONTINUED
Contractors
Joel MorynParsons Electric Company, Minnesota
Walter T. Parkes* O’Connell Electric Co., New York
Skip PerleyTEC-Corp/Thompson Electric Co., Iowa
In memory of Alfred C. Thompson
Robert L. PfeilSouth Bend, Indiana
David PinterZwicker Electric Company, Inc., New York
Carl J. Privitera, Sr.Mark One Electric Company, Inc., Missouri
Dennis QuebeChapel Electric Company, Ohio
Stephen J. Reiten* M. J. Electric, Inc., Michigan
Frank RussellBagby & Russell Electric Co., Alabama In memory of
Robert L. Russell
Tim RussellR.W. Leet Electric, Inc., Michigan
Frederic B. SargentSargent Electric Co., Pennsylvania
Rocky SharpCarl T. Madsen, Inc., Washington
Turner Smith* Dillard Smith Construction Co., Tennessee
Herbert Spiegel A tribute in memory of Flora Spiegel, Corona Industrial
Electric, California
Greg E. Stewart Superior Group, A Division of Electrical Specialists Ohio
Jeff ThiedeOregon Electric Construction, Oregon
Ronald J. ToomerToomer Electrical Co., Inc., Louisiana
Robert W. Truland Truland Systems Corporation, Virginia
Robert J. Turner II Turner Electric Service, Inc., Michigan
Angelo VeanesFerguson Electric Construction Co., New York
FOUNDERS, CONTINUED
Contractors
Michael H. WalkerWalker Seal Companies, Virginia, In honor of Michael H.
Walker and Frank W. Seal
Mark WalterChristenson Electric Company, Oregon
Brad WeirKelso-Burnett Company, Illinois
Jack W. WelbornElectrical Corporation of America, Missouri
David A. WitzContinental Electrical Construction Co., Illinois
NECA Chapters and Affiliates
ACEN NECA Monterrey (Mexico) AMERIC Foundation (Mexico)
American Line BuildersArizona Atlanta Boston
Canadian Electrtical Contractors AssociationCentral Indiana
Central OhioGreater Cleveland
Greater SacramentoGreater Toronto Electrical Contractors Association
MichiganMilwaukee
MinneapolisNECA ACOEO Guadalajara (Mexico)
New York City*North Central Ohio
Northeastern Line ConstructorsNorth FloridaNorth Texas
Northern CaliforniaOregon-Columbia
Oregon Pacific-CascadePenn-Del-Jersey
San FranciscoSanta Clara Valley
Southeastern Line ConstructorsSouth FloridaSouth Texas
Washington, D.C.Western Pennsylvania
West Virginia-Ohio Valley
v
The research team would like to acknowledge the contributions of the ELECTRI Council members and staff
who contributed to this project, and ELECTRI International for providing the financial support. Significant guid-
ance was provided by the project’s Task Force, made up of the following individuals:
vi
Acknowledgements
Stuart BinstockNECA National
Wayne ButlerPel-Bern Electric, Inc.
Rob ColganNECA National
Bill FischerSquare D
Rob GirardSquare D
Thomas KyleKyle Electric
Andy PorterWashington D.C. Chapter, NECA
Jeff ThiedeOregon Electric Group
This ELECTRI International research project has been conducted under the auspices of the Research Center.
©2007 ELECTRI International—The Foundation for Electrical Construction, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
The material in this publication is copyright protected and may not be reproduced without the permission of
ELECTRI International.
vii
Executive Summary .....................................................................................................................................1
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................3
1. What is a “Green” Building? An Introduction to Green Buildings and LEED®..............................5The Impact of the Building Industry on the Environment ..............................................................................................5Green Building Features ..........................................................................................................................................................5High Performance Buildings....................................................................................................................................................5The Role of LEED® in Green Buildings................................................................................................................................5Cost Premiums: Myth and Reality .........................................................................................................................................6Key Tensions on Green Buildings ..........................................................................................................................................6Additional References ..............................................................................................................................................................7
2. Market Trends:Why Are Owners Going Green?................................................................................9Trends Among Building Owners............................................................................................................................................9Green Mandates and Regional Markets...............................................................................................................................9Incentive Programs .................................................................................................................................................................10Current Market Opportunities for Electrical Contractors ..........................................................................................10Future Directions for Energy and Electrical Systems in Green Buildings .................................................................10Additional References............................................................................................................................................................11
3. LEED® 101:An Overview of the USGBC and the LEED® Rating System.....................................13Why was LEED® Developed? ...............................................................................................................................................13Types of LEED® Rating Systems...........................................................................................................................................13Criteria in the LEED® Rating System .................................................................................................................................13LEED® for the Electrical Contractor..................................................................................................................................13LEED® Accredited Professionals:Why, How, and Who? .................................................................................................13Alternatives to LEED®............................................................................................................................................................16Are Green Buildings Here to Stay? ....................................................................................................................................16Additional References............................................................................................................................................................16
4. The Role of the Electrical Contractor in Green Building Projects...............................................19The Role of the Construction Industry in Green Building Projects ..........................................................................19The Role of the Electrical Contractor in Green Building Projects ............................................................................19Opportunities for Electrical Contractors in Green Building Markets .......................................................................20Featured Market Opportunity: Renewable and Distributed Energy Systems ..........................................................21Additional References............................................................................................................................................................21
Table of Contents
EMERGING GREEN MARKETS: STRATEGIES FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
5. Lessons Learned by Electrical Contractors on Green Building Projects .....................................23Characteristics of Successful Green Building Projects ..................................................................................................23What Could Go Wrong? ......................................................................................................................................................23Forms of Risk on Green Building Projects .......................................................................................................................24Benefits of Green Building Awareness for Electrical Contractors..............................................................................24Concluding Recommendations............................................................................................................................................24Additional References............................................................................................................................................................24
viii
This report summarizes the results of “Emerging
Green Markets: Strategies for Electrical Contractors on
LEED® and Green Building Projects,” a project com-
pleted by a research team at Pennsylvania State
University. The goal of the project was to develop an
informative set of materials to help electrical contrac-
tors better understand the driving forces behind the
expanding Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED®) and green building markets, and to
help position the Electrical Contracting (EC) industry
to take advantage of opportunities in this market.
The research team completed a variety of activities
designed to broadly assess and evaluate emerging
opportunities for the electrical contractor on LEED®
and green building projects. The team initially collect-
ed questionnaires assessing the general knowledge of
EC employees and their knowledge of LEED® certifi-
cation, their perception of their company’s under-
standing of LEED®, understanding of why a building
owner would “go green”, and the EC employee’s view
of how green building will affect the future of electri-
cal contractors. Additional research experiences by the
Penn State team performed to assess the role of con-
tractors on green projects, trends in green building
markets, and opinions of owners were also distilled
and refined with an emphasis placed on the electrical
contracting perspective.
After gathering information, the research team
identified five topics that would best serve the needs of
the EC industry:
1. What is a “green” building? An introduction to
green buildings and LEED®
2. Market trends: Why are owners going green?
3. LEED® 101: An overview of the USGBC and
the LEED® rating system
4. The role of the electrical contractor on green
building projects
5. Lessons learned by electrical contractors on
green building projects
Each topic was investigated by the research team.
This report summarizes the key research findings for
each topic, lessons learned, and recommendations for
electrical contractors who plan to work on LEED® or
green building projects.
Executive Summary
1
Introduction
This project was initiated the summer of 2005
during a meeting of ELECTRI International when a
need for research in the area of green buildings was
discussed and determined to be a priority topic for
investigation. A research team at Penn State was
assembled to conduct a study that would illuminate
the opportunities and liabilities that existed in the
emerging green building market, and describe lessons
learned from contractors with experience on green
building projects.
During the ELECTRI International Task Force
Formation meeting in January of 2006, 40 key leaders in
the electrical contracting (EC) industry completed a
brief survey to assess awareness of and experience with
green building projects. The survey presented four
statements and asked whether respondents agreed or
disagreed with each (Table 1).
This brief survey revealed a very limited under-
standing of green buildings and an acknowledgement of
the potential importance of the market for green build-
ings. The results clearly indicated a need for education-
al materials for the EC industry on green building proj-
ects. Specific objectives for the project were identified
during the remainder of the Task Force Meeting.
Project ObjectivesThe primary objectives of the project were to:
n Identify key requirements of the EC on
LEED® and green building projects
n Identify strategies to recognize and tap emerg-
ing markets for EC services
n Develop materials to clearly communicate the
research results
Research ProcessThe project objectives were met by:
n Surveying case study projects (including own-
ers, contractors, and design firms)
n Conducting a market sector analysis
n Filtering information and formatting key
points for EC audience
n Preparing, pilot testing, and finalizing
research deliverables
3
Table 1: Green Building Project Survey
n I have a good understanding of what makes a building greenÓ 13% agreed
n I believe my company has a good understanding of the LEED¤ rating systemÓ 6% agreed
n I have a good idea why owners would choose to Ò go greenÓ 42% agreed
n I believe that the green building movement will change or create new marketsÓ 100% agreed
Green buildings are defined by efforts made to
reduce building impacts on human health and the
environment through the complete building life
cycle— site planning, design, construction, operation,
maintenance, and removal.
The Impact of the Building Industryon the Environment
The building industry is a substantial contributor
to the consumption of energy and natural resources.
In the U.S., buildings account for:
n 65% of total U.S. electricity consumption
n more than 36% of total U.S. primary energy
use
n 30% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions
n 136 million tons of annual construction and
demolition waste
n 12% of total U.S. potable water use
n 3 billion tons of raw materials use each year
(40% of total global use of raw materials)
Green Building FeaturesFeatures of green buildings fall into five common-
ly accepted categories:
1. Site selection and planning
2. Safeguarding water and improving water effi-
ciency
3. Energy efficiency and use of renewable energy
4. Conservation of materials and resources
5. Indoor environmental quality
Common building systems of particular interest to
electrical contractors on green building projects
include dimming panels, photo sensors and daylight-
ing systems, dimmable ballasts, and efficient light fix-
tures/lamps. In addition, higher quality and more effi-
cient transformers, combined heat and power, and
photovoltaic systems are gradually growing in popu-
larity.
High Performance BuildingsHigh performance buildings are related but dis-
tinct from green buildings and are of increasing
importance. These projects have been characterized by
the Department of Energy as those with a particular
emphasis on energy efficiency. Projects in which the
building’s effect on the productivity of its occupants is
a priority are also commonly referred to as high per-
formance buildings.
The Role of LEED® in GreenBuildings
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED® ) rating system was developed by the
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The LEED®
rating system has provided a much needed measuring
stick for how green a building is, based on perform-
ance in the five categories of green building features
5
1What is a “Green” Building? An Introduction to Green Buildings and LEED®
EMERGING GREEN MARKETS: STRATEGIES FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
identified above. Since its inception, LEED® has made
three significant contributions to the green building
movement:
1. The USGBC helped educate a fairly unin-
formed building community about the impact
of buildings on the environment and ways to
reduce this impact.
2. LEED® certification of projects and LEED®
accreditation of individuals provides a means
for builders to demonstrate (and market to
clients) an interest in environmentally con-
scious building construction.
3. By including occupant health and productivity
in the definition of green buildings, the
USGBC tapped a major economic incentive
among building owners (worker salaries
account for 90% of business costs).
Cost Premiums: Myth and Reality A prevalent and damaging myth about green
buildings is that they require higher initial costs.
Research has shown that high levels of LEED® certifi-
cation can be achieved at no additional cost. Research
has also shown that when cost premiums are incurred,
the sources usually lie in two major areas:
1. Inexperience with the LEED® certification
process and green building features or systems,
resulting in higher fees.
2. Green building features that are treated as add-
ons, and are not well integrated into the proj-
ect priorities.
For most building systems, higher performance
comes with a price increase. The desire for more effi-
cient envelope materials and technical systems typical-
ly does require higher first cost investments. The key
strategy that must be employed to reduce higher initial
project costs is to seek areas of savings on projects that
do not compromise green building goals. Like any
other feature of a building, green building features
must be given priority, and viewed as an integral part
of the design and construction of the best building
possible for an owner given budget.
Key Tensions on Green BuildingsAlthough many cost premiums can be avoided,
green buildings require designers and contractors to do
things a little differently than traditional projects. For
those who are challenged by change, this can be taxing.
However, the new and additional decision-making cri-
teria and actions introduced on green building projects
do not have to disrupt business operations. The fol-
lowing issues and terms are important elements of
green building design and construction processes:
n First cost versus life-cycle cost—Construction
costs are usually less than 10% of a building’s
“life-cycle” cost, which includes the cost of a
building throughout its life (e.g., maintaining,
staffing, and operating the building). Because
construction costs are such a small part of a
building’s total cost, decisions should be based on
the building’s life cycle cost. In some (but not all)
cases, this may mean paying additional first costs,
but many additional first costs can be offset by
savings in other phases of the project’s life.
n Integrated design versus sequential design—
Building green requires the design team to work
together much more than in the past. Integrated
systems, such as lighting systems with dimming
controls that reduce cooling loads in buildings
cannot be designed by an engineer in a cubicle.
As a result, the design process on green buildings
requires more interaction and communication
between architecture and engineering disciplines.
6
WHAT IS A “GREEN” BUILDING?
Design is less of sequential process, but rather
iterative and inclusive, so systems can work in
concert. Completed effectively, this process
should yield a more complete and coordinated
design that can reduce construction costs.
n System Complexity—Technical systems, such as
electrical distribution and lighting controls are
often more advanced on green building projects.
In some cases, these systems are specified with
performance specifications by a designer or engi-
neer that is unfamiliar with these systems. As a
result, additional research and design assist
requirements for contractors on green building
projects.
n Equipment selection—In green buildings there
are more incentives to select equipment based on
performance and life-cycle cost. Additional
research is often needed to determine the life-
cycle performance of equipment, and contractors
may be asked to spend additional time research-
ing and communicating information about sys-
tems and equipment to the owner in order to jus-
tify the higher initial cost.
n New materials versus “tried-and-true”—
Another area of resistance to green buildings is
the use of alternative materials. Contractors who
are familiar with standard materials may not want
to invest their time in learning about new materi-
als and methods.
n Commissioning—In traditional building proj-
ects, commissioning occurs at the end of a project
for testing and balancing of building systems. In
contrast, commissioning is typically given a
stronger emphasis in green construction, and is
often conducted throughout the project in an
effort to ensure the building will perform as
intended.
Additional ReferencesGlavinich, T, “Being Green: LEED,” Electrical
Contractor, Nov 2005.
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council),
“Building Green from Principle to Practice,”
http://www.nrdc.org/buildinggreen/
The Roundtable, Inc., “ Introduction to Green
Building – Sustainable Design and Construction.”
USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), “An
Introduction to the U.S. Green Building Council and
the LEED® Green Build Rating System,”
https://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=742
USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), “Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design,”
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19
Whole Building Design Guide,
http://www.wbdg.org/index.php
7
Engineering News Record describes the green
building market as the fastest growing niche in North
America (ENR 3.3.2006). It is important for electrical
contractors to understand the drivers of this market.
Trends Among Building OwnersBuilding owners that choose to pursue green
building projects typically have a logical and economi-
cally driven reason. The most common reasons cited
by owners are:
1. To improve the health and productivity of
occupants
2. To reduce life-cycle energy and operating costs
3. To set an example in their community
4. To meet growing demands by tenants
Green building owners tend to fall into one of two
categories, which have slightly different motivations
for going green.
n Owner-occupants—Owner-occupants usually
typically build green to lower operating and
maintenance costs and increase employee pro-
ductivity. In some cases, organizations have
begun to adopt more environmentally conscious
mission statements and operational goals, and
seek green buildings to contribute to this goal. In
addition, they may wish to polish their public
image. The top markets for green buildings are
owner-occupied and include:
• Federal, State, and Public facilities and mixed-
use buildings
• K-12 schools and higher educational facilities
• Healthcare facilities
n Commercial builders, developers—Builders and
developers usually build green to distinguish
themselves in the marketplace. Green building
features attract tenants and improve lease and
occupancy rates. In addition, tenants are often
willing to pay higher rates for spaces in green
buildings. Top markets for developers are often
regionally driven, for example, the following areas
are known to be stronger markets for “green”
office space and condominiums/apartments:
• Portland, Oregon
• Seattle, Washington
• New York, New York
• Washington, D.C.
Green Mandates and RegionalMarkets
Mandates by city, state, and federal agencies have
helped to stimulate growth in the demand for green
buildings. A list of agencies with green building man-
dates is available on the Green Building Pages (see ref-
erences). For example, any new or renovated state-
owned facilities in California are required to be
LEED® Silver certified. Such mandates have forced
design and construction teams to educate themselves
2Market Trends:Why are OwnersGoing Green?
9
EMERGING GREEN MARKETS: STRATEGIES FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
and build proficiency in the affected regions, which
has helped to diminish the costs and barriers to wider
adoption. The market for green building is expected
to continue expanding, even into private sectors.
Incentive ProgramsCity, state, and federal incentive programs are also
contributing to the regional growth of green building
markets. These incentives come in the form of tax
breaks and rebate programs for investments in green
building features. In many cases, these programs are
directly related to energy; for example, California
rewards the achievement of high levels of energy effi-
ciency. Many states also provide grants and rebates for
the purchase of renewable energy systems.
In U.S. cities where local, state, and federal incen-
tives all apply – such as Seattle, Washington, Portland,
Oregon, and San Diego – the expansion of the green
building market is recognizable. Accordingly, emerg-
ing green building competencies among electrical con-
tractors are also visible in these areas. The latest
emerging trend found in some states is the assessment
of penalties on building projects that do not meet
minimum standards set in a region or city; for exam-
ple, an increased cost for building permits,.
Extensive references designed to track these incen-
tives exist online (see reference list). The accompanying
slides include several maps obtained from the Database
of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
(DSIRE) that show which states have rebate and tax
incentives. In addition, states with net metering rules
and special solar licensing requirements are shown.
DSIRE’s web site, a part of the North Carolina Solar
Center, includes several other maps that show the spa-
tial distribution of relevant state incentive programs.
Current Market Opportunities forElectrical Contractors
This research identified four specific areas for
potential market expansion for electrical contractors
due to the increase in green building projects:
n Design-build services—Green building projects
benefit greatly from the experience offered by
contractors who design, build, and maintain sys-
tems. Electrical contractors can develop distinct
competitive advantages in the design of energy
efficient power, lighting, and control systems.
n Higher-end equipment and margins—Owners of
green buildings are more likely to be interested in
higher-end, more expensive equipment and fix-
tures. Installation of these higher-priced fixtures
can improve profit margins.
n Energy retrofit projects—Many facilities (even
new ones) have inefficient lighting and electrical
systems. The market demand for energy and
lighting retrofit projects will continue to grow in
order to reduce the life-cycle cost of building
operation.
n Expansion of distributed energy generation sys-
tems —Incentive programs such as renewable
energy credits, and advancements in photovoltaic
(PV) and wind generation systems will continue
to expand the market for distributed renewable
and combined heat and power (CHP) systems
that produce electricity and heat on site using
variable types of fuel.
Future Directions for Energy andElectrical Systems in GreenBuildings
New forms of project delivery are emerging in
which incentives for energy savings are included in
contract terms. While regionally dependent on energy
10
MARKET TRENDS
deregulation, the EC industry will positioned to create
an image as the provider of energy in buildings not
just the installer of energy systems. Build Operate-
Maintain (BOT) contracts, lease agreements, and ener-
gy financing strategies will continue to open new
enterprise opportunities for electrical contractors.
Additional References The Air Force Sustainable Facilities Guide,
http://www.afcee.brooks.af.mil/dc/dcd/arch/rfg/index.html
Built Green, http://www.builtgreen.org/
Creating Sustainable Federal Buildings,
http://www.eere.energy.gov/femp/pdfs/sustain_bldgs_wbcst_qa.pdf
Federal Center – Energy,
http://www.fedcenter.gov/programs/energy/
Federal Facilities Environmental Stewardship,
http://www.fedcenter.gov/
Green Building and Cities,
http://www.globalgreen.org/programs/building.html
Green Building Pages, Inc. “Links and Resources –
LEED Mandating Agencies.”
http://www.greenbuildingpages.com/links/weblinks_LEED.html
Green Power Pricing,
http://www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/markets/pric-ing.shtml?page=0
Green Power Pricing:
By State
http://www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/markets/pricing.shtml?page=1
By Utility
http://www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/markets/pricing.shtml?page=2
LEED® and the General Contractor,
http://www.ctgnet.com/energetics/News/Contractor's%20Perspective.pdf
North Carolina Solar Center, “Database of State
Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.”
http://www.dsireusa.org/
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), “Energy
Efficient and Renewable,” http://www.nrdc.org/
Pentagon Renovation and Construction Program,
http://renovation.pentagon.mil/sustainabledesign.htm
Quick Guide to Running a Successful LEED® Project,
http://www.edcmag.com/CDA/Archives/e8ebf34f5a697010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0
Solar Electric Power Association,
http://www.solarelectricpower.org/
State Energy Alternative,
Net Metering
http://www.eere.energy.gov/states/alternatives/net_metering.cfm
Q and A About Net Metering
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/erprebate/net_metering.html
Wind Energy and Energy Policy,
http://www.awea.org/policy/#State%20Policies
Wind Powering America State Activities,
http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/state_activities.asp
11
3LEED® 101: An Overview of the USGBCand the LEED® Rating System
LEED® stands for Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design. The LEED® rating system is
based on accepted energy and environmental princi-
ples and strikes a balance between practices known to
be effective and emerging concepts. The development
of LEED® was initiated and is managed by the U.S.
Green Building Council (USGBC), which represents
all segments of the building industry.
Why was LEED® Developed?LEED® was developed to provide a metric for
“greenness” and a framework to help move the U.S.
building industry to more sustainable practices. Derived
from other similar systems, LEED® is tailored to the U.S.
marketplace and to budgets of U.S. design practices.
Types of LEED® Rating SystemsMultiple LEED® rating systems have been
designed for different types of facilities. The most
established is LEED® NC (new construction), which is
outlined in Table 2. LEED® EB (existing buildings) is
also growing in popularity. Rating systems for labora-
tories, healthcare facilities, schools, multiple building
campuses, and residential construction are in variable
stages of trials and development.
Criteria in the LEED® Rating System The LEED® rating system is based on five environ-
mental categories. Each category is divided into sub-
categories, referred to as “credits.” For each credit, the
rating system identifies the intent, requirements, and
technologies or strategies to achieve the credit. One or
more points are available for each credit, and points
are achieved by meeting specified requirements. The
categories, credits, and point allocations are included
in Table 2 (next page).
For new construction, there is a total of 69 points
possible, and four levels of certification:
n Certified 26-32 points
n Silver 33-38 points
n Gold 39-51 points
n Platinum 52-69 points
LEED® for the Electrical ContractorOver half of the LEED® points on a project are
either directly or indirectly related to the work of elec-
trical contractors. At a minimum, additional require-
ments for on site practices, material procurement, and
recycling can be expected due to LEED® requirements.
In other cases, the EC could be asked to play a major
role in the design and value engineering, and even
commissioning of all major building systems. The
LEED® points that pertain most to electrical contrac-
tors are included in Table 3 (page 14).
LEED® Accredited Professionals –Why, How, and Who?
A major part of the USGBC and LEED® is the
accreditation of individuals, referred to as LEED®
accredited professionals (or LEED® AP).
n Why—The familiarity a LEED® AP has with
13
EMERGING GREEN MARKETS: STRATEGIES FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Sustainable Sites 14 PointsPrereq 1 Construction Activity Credit 1 Site Selection 1
Pollution Prevention 2 Development Density & Community Connectivity 13 Brownfield Redevelopment 14 Alternative Transportation: (1) Public Transportation Access,
(2) Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms, (3) Low-Emitting and Fuel-Efficient Vehicles, (4) Parking Capacity 1 point each
5 Site Development: (1) Protect or Restore Habitat,(2) Maximize Open Space 1 point each
6 Stormwater Design: (1) Quantity Control, (2) Quality Control 1 point each7 Heat Island Effect: (1) Non-Roof, (2) Roof 1 point each8 Light Pollution Reduction 1
Water Efficiency 5 PointsCredit 1 Water Efficient Landscaping: (1) Reduce by 50%,
(2) No Potable Use or No Irrigation 1 point each2 Innovative Wastewater Technologies 13 Water Use Reduction: (1) 20% Reduction, (2) 30% Reduction 1 point each
Energy & Atmosphere 17 PointsPrereq 1 Fundamental Commissioning Credit 1 Optimize Energy Performance 1 to 10
of the Building Energy Systems 2 On-Site Renewable Energy 1 to 32 Minimum Energy Performance 3 Enhanced Commissioning 13 Fundamental Refrigerant 4 Enhanced Refrigerant Management 1
Management 5 Measurement & Verification 16 Green Power 1
Materials & Resources 13 PointsPrereq 1 Storage & Collection of Credit 1 Building Reuse: (1) Maintain 75% of Existing Walls,
Recyclables Floors & Roof, (2) Maintain 100% of Existing Walls,Floors & Roof, (3) Maintain 50% of Interior Non-Structural Elements 1 point each
2 Construction Waste Management: (1) Divert 50% from Disposal, (2) Divert 75% 1 point each
3 Materials Reuse: (1) 5%, (2)10% 1 point each4 Recycled Content: (1) 10% (post-consumer +
1/2 pre-consumer), (2) 20% 1 point each5 Regional Materials: (1) 10% Extracted, Processed &
Manufactured Regionally, (2) 20% 1 point each6 Rapidly Renewable Materials 17 Certified Wood 1
Indoor Environmental Quality 15 PointsPrereq 1 Minimum IAQ Performance Credit 1 Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring 1
2 Environmental Tobacco 2 Increased Ventilation 1Smoke (ETS) Control 3 Construction IAQ Management Plan: (1) During Construction,
(2) Before Occupancy 1 point each4 Low-Emitting Materials: (1) Adhesives & Sealants, (2) Low-Emitting
Materials, Paints & Coatings, (3) Carpet Systems, (4) Composite Wood & Agrifiber Products 1 point each
5 Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control 16 Controllability of Systems: (1) Lighting, (2) Thermal Comfort 1 point each7 Thermal Comfort: (1) Design, (2) Verification 1 point each8 Daylight & Views: (1) Daylight 75% of Spaces, (2) Views for 90% of Spaces 1 point each
Innovation & Design Process 5 PointsCredit 1 Innovation in Design 1 to 4
2 LEED® Accredited Professional 1
Project Totals (pre-certification estimates) 69 Points
A checklist is available at: https://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=1096
14
Table 2: LEED® Rating System for New Construction (version 2.2)
LEED® 101
15
LEED® principles can help to manage the certifi-
cation process on projects. LEED® accreditation
can also signal personal or corporate commit-
ment to green buildings. Many firms advertise
the number of LEED APs employed by their
organizations.
n How —Step 1: The USGBC website provides the
information needed for individuals to register for
the an accreditation exam (www.usgbc.org) Step
2: Upon registering for the exam, a study guide is
provided to the individual. Step 3: Multiple-
choice exams are administrated online by the
LEED Credit Categories Impact on electrical contractor
Sustainable Sites (SS)
Prereq 1 Construction Activity This credit is devoted to minimizing erosion on site and site pollution caused by construction Pollution Prevention equipment. Special site rules for construction vehicles may be implemented to achieve this goal.
Credit 4 Alternative Transportation: Low- Use of low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles may result in a charging station for electric vehiclesEmitting and Fuel-Efficient Vehicles to be included in the project. Research on specialty codes and systems may be required.
Credit 8 Light Pollution Reduction Cut-off fixtures will need to be specified for outdoor lighting.
Water Efficiency (WE)
Credit 1 Optimize Energy Performance Energy modeling and energy-reducing strategies are needed to achieve this point. High-end switchgear, transformers, and distribution equipment can contribute to achieving this credit.
Credit 2 On-Site Renewable Energy Solar photovoltaic, wind, solar hot water, and/or geothermal systems may be specified. These systems will require specialty equipment and electrical service.
Credit 3 Enhanced Commissioning Additional commissioning efforts are taken such as the review of submittals by a commissioning agent, and provision of a manual for recommissioning of all building systems, including electrical systems.
Credit 5 Measurement & Verification Ongoing efforts to monitor and improve the performance of energy and electrical equipment will be needed.
Materials & Resources (MR)
Credit 2 Construction Waste Management Jobsite recycling will be a priority. Construction waste removed from the jobsite will need to be tracked consistently by weight or volume for the entire jobsite.
Credit 3 Materials Reuse Salvaged materials are used with a target of 5% of total project cost. The most common source for the EC is the re-lamping and re-use of light fixtures. MEP equipment is typically not included in this calculation.
Credit 4 Recycled Content Post-consumer and post-industrial recycled content may be requested of copper and aluminum suppliers. Electrical contractors may need to work with suppliers to document recycled content.
Credit 5 Regional Materials Documentation will be requested for materials that are extracted, processed, and manufactured within a 500-mile radius of the project.
Indoor Environmental Quality
Credit 3 Construction IAQ Management Plan Protection of absorptive materials during construction will be required. Eating and smoking will likely be banned inside the building during construction.
Credit 4 Low-Emitting Materials: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) will be limited for PVC, CPVC,ABS, plastic pipe welding, and Adhesives & Sealants other sealants and foams.
Credit 6 Controllability of Systems: Lighting Lighting controls will be required for 90% of building occupants, which may require additional lighting controls.
Table 3: LEED® Points Most Relevant to Electrical Contractors
EMERGING GREEN MARKETS: STRATEGIES FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
USGBC at testing sites. A score of 70% is
required to pass.
n Who—LEED® accreditation tends to appeal to
the younger generation of professionals. It is also
a good idea for someone in an estimating depart-
ment to obtain accreditation, so their experience
can be offered and marketed to clients.
Alternatives to LEED®
A growing number of projects are initiated with
LEED® goals in mind, but the pursuit of a LEED® rat-
ing is abandoned due to the cost of documentation
and certification of LEED® points. This issue has been
addressed aggressively with a new online submission
process for LEED® point documentation that has been
implemented by the USGBC. It is also worth noting
that several alternatives to the LEED® rating system
have been developed:
n Green Globes: Developed in Canada, Green
Globes® has begun to penetrate the U.S. market,
and is probably the closest competitor with
LEED® in the U.S. While very similar to LEED®
in the areas of green design, construction, and
operation, Green Globes® provides more of a
process guide for green building project teams,
rather than a metric for the end product. This
can be highly useful to inexperienced teams.
n SPiRiT: The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers devel-
oped the Sustainable Project Rating Tool
(SPiRiT), which is not as widely used as LEED®.
n Healthcare Sector: The Green Guide for Health
Care is a rating system designed to help healthcare
facility meet needs for infection control and 24/7
energy use. Developed by the Center for Maximum
Building Potential, it is currently in pilot stage and
is being used voluntarily by a few select projects.
Are Green Buildings Here to Stay? Many professionals and owners have speculated
that green buildings would be a short-lived fad.
However, evidence is mounting that LEED® and green
buildings are here to stay. The market growth and
demand for green buildings is strong nationwide, and
will continue to grow. Recently, the American Institute
of Architects (AIA) and a growing number of mayors
and governors have signed the 2030 Challenge – an
initiative to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of
fossil fuels in buildings by the year 2030. As design
and construction teams gain experience, obtaining
LEED® credits becomes easier and more routine. In
response, the USGBC has begun to raise the bar for
green buildings through new versions of the LEED®
rating system. For example, improved energy efficien-
cy is expected to be changed from an optional to a
prerequisite point in the latest version of the LEED®
rating system.
Additional ReferencesUSBGC, “An Introduction to the U.S. Green Building
Council and the LEED® Green Build Rating System,”
https://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=742
USGBC, “Success Story,” http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/pdfs/Green_Building.pdf
USGBC “LEED® NC- Green Building Rating System
for New Construction and Major Renovations Version
2.2.”
https://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=1095
USGBC “LEED® NC Version 2.2 Registered Project
Checklist,”
https://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=1096
16
LEED® 101
USGBC “LEED® Professional Accreditation Candidate
Handbook,”
https://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=2158
USGBC “LEED® Policy Manual,”
http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=2039
2030 Challenge: http://www.architecture2030.org
17
The Role of the ConstructionIndustry in Green Building Projects
While the green building movement has been led
by the architectural design community, the role of
construction professionals in green building projects is
increasingly recognized as critical. Some completed
research projects have helped to identify substantive
value added by contractors, including:
n Providing accurate preconstruction estimates
and life-cycle cost estimates of alternative
designs and systems
n Locating building materials or products that
have desirable green attributes
n Minimizing waste and recycling on the jobsite
n Managing indoor air quality during construc-
tion
n Commissioning and verifying performance
of advanced building systems
The Role of the Electrical Contractorin Green Building Projects
The most common roles of ECs in green projects
are described below, ordered according to the timing
in the project process.
Design
n Provide accurate estimates of the performance of
energy systems and power distribution systems
for comparison purposes
n Develop value engineering alternatives that have
one- to two-year paybacks over lowest first-cost
designs through lower energy costs and reduced
maintenance costs
Preconstruction
n Develop and maintain tracking documentation
for LEED® point submissions
n Provide value engineering suggestions to improve
energy efficiency, such as upgraded low-voltage
transformers
n Avoid suggesting lower performing light fixtures,
transformers, and ballast
n Offer to re-design over-complicated lighting con-
trols to maintain intent and lower first cost
n Suggest prefabrication strategies that can reduce
material waste
Construction
n Procure specialty materials (local and/or recycled)
n Manage documentation of additional materials
n Ensure adherence to special shipping and packag-
ing requirements
n Recycle on-site
n Fulfill special general conditions requirements
n Meet unique temporary and permanent power
requirements
n Interact with third-party commissioning and ver-
ification consultants
4The Role of the ElectricalContractor in Green BuildingProjects
19
EMERGING GREEN MARKETS: STRATEGIES FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
To aid in the construction stage of green projects,
a Field Guide for Sustainable Construction has been
adopted and refined for electrical contractors. Table 4
includes a checklist of the key items electrical contrac-
tors can perform onsite to enhance their environmen-
tally conscious behavior.
Opportunities for ElectricalContractors in Emerging GreenBuilding Markets
Many opportunities exist for ECs that wish to
expand their services and become leaders on green build-
ing projects. Examples of additional services that some
ECs have begun to offer green building owners include:
20
Procurement
____ Use contractors experienced in green building
____ Give emphasis to design-build
____ Use subs with in-house fabrication capability
____ Require early installation of permanent electrical systems
____ Use energy efficient and switchable lamps and for temporary lighting
____ Require electronic shop drawings
____ Use online document control systems
Site/Environment
____ Place trench spoil uphill to prevent runoff
____ Select cut-off lighting for exterior use
Material Selection
____ Choose fluorescent lighting, which consumes 20% of the energy and lasts 13 times longer than incandescent lighting
____ Use photoluminescent emergency signage, which requires no wiring or power
____ Use wiring and devices with 20% recycled content
____ Ensure that electrical boxes are air tight so air leakage is reduced
____ Use transformers with bio-based fluids
____ Avoid mercury fittings
Energy
____ Consider emerging technologies, such as solar and wind power for remote off-grid temporary power
____ Verify incoming amperage and voltage and use capacitors to adjust power factor as needed
____ Use UL and IC rated fixtures for recessed lighting
____ Use Energy Star rated equipment
Waste Prevention
____ Reduce packaging
____ Reuse undamaged demolished items, e.g., electrical boxes
____ Return wire spools to manufacturer
____ Protect equipment from dust and dirt
Recycling
____ Recycle scrap metal and mercury lamps
____ Make recycling convenient by placing dumpsters close to work areas
____ Recycle NiCad batteries from power tools
Building Material and Reuse
____ Use standardized modular construction techniques
____ Use sealants that enable easy disassembly
____ Salvage copper wire
____ Consider modular wiring systems
Construction Technologies
____ Distribute documents electronically
____ Use on-screen quantity take-off tools for estimating
____ Use wireless and bluetooth technologies for data networking
Health and Safety
____ Recognize electrocution hazards, such as overhead and underground wiring
____ Use GFCIs on all temporary receptacle circuits
Indoor Environment Quality
____ Provide back-up power
____ Seal openings to reduce drafting and energy loss
____ Provide integrated commissioning for all control, mechanicaland electrical systems
Table 4: LEED® Jobsite Checklist of Green Practices for Electrical Contractors
THE ROLE OF THE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR IN GREEN BUILDING PROJECTS
n Energy-efficient equipment analysis and selection
n Assistance with energy modeling calculations
n Value-added approaches to value engineering
n Energy use analysis – redesign/refit building light-
ing systems
n Cogeneration payback analysis
n Energy rebate/incentives analysis
n Building energy and lighting system commissioning
n Helping owners obtain LEED® Innovation credits
Featured Market Opportunity:Renewable and Distributed EnergySystems
The growth of alternative and renewable energy
systems and the development of a distributed energy
infrastructure can have a strong impact on the work of
ECs on building projects. Renewable energy systems
include, for example, combined heat and power sys-
tems (CHP), building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV)
systems, and wind turbines. Electrical contractors
must meet additional design, procurement, and con-
struction requirements for each system. Example:
Photovoltaic system construction activities:
1. Install the PV system in coordination with
roof/glazing contractors
2. Provide the balance of the system (BOS)
3. Interface the PV system with the building’s
power distribution system
4. Provide energy storage devices (back-up bat-
teries)
5. Install protective devices
6. Install metering devices for net metering utili-
ty-connection with the PV system
An excellent reference on technology of photo-
voltaic systems has been developed by Glavinich and
Yong for ELECTRI International.
Additional ReferencesCullen, S. “Whole Building Design Guide.”
EnerModal Engineering, “Ten Steps to a Sustainable
Building.”
Field Guide for Sustainable Construction, http://reno-vation.pentagon.mil/Field%20Guide%20for%20Sustainable%20Con.pdf
Green Building Solutions, http://www.greenbuildingso-lutions.org/s_greenbuilding/index.asp
Glavinich, T. and Yong, B., “Emerging Photovoltaic
Market, Task 2: Defining Emerging PV Market.”
Glavinich, T. and Yong, B., “Emerging Photovoltaic
Markets: Task 3: Investigating PV Technology.”
Lane, K., “LEED® and the Electrical Contractor,” SASCO.
Natural Resources Defense Council, “Sustainable
Building Practices and Materials,” http://www.nrdc.org/
Natural Resources Defense Council, “Water
Conservation,” http://www.nrdc.org/
North American Board of Certified Energy
Practitioners, http://www.nabcep.org/
PSU Partnership for Achieving Construction
Excellence and Pentagon Renovation and
Construction Program Office, “Electrical Contractors
Field Guide.”
Public Technology, Inc. and USGBC, “ Sustainable
Building Technology Manual: Green Building Design,
Construction and Operation.”
Riley, D., Pexton, K. and Drilling, J. “The Procurement
of Sustainable Construction Services in the U.S.,” UNEP
Journal of Industry and Environment “Sustainable
Building and Construction,” 26, (2-3), pp. 66-67.
Rosenberg, H. and Merson, A., “LEED® and the
General Contractor.”
21
Characteristics of Successful GreenBuilding Projects
As completed LEED® project accumulate, the con-
struction industry moves further down the learning
curve, so others can take advantage of lessons learned.
The following attributes have become characteristic of
successful green building projects:
n The idea of a green building was introduced at
the inception of the project.
n The core team is experienced in green buildings,
rather than hiring a “green” consultant.
n Integrated forms of contracts are used so that
general, mechanical, and electrical contractors are
involved during design.
n Design-build or design-assist contracts are held
by mechanical and electrical contractors.
n More efficient systems and streamlined mechani-
cal distribution systems are used.
n Systems tend to be “right-sized” with less redun-
dancy and waste from design and safety factors.
What Could Go Wrong?Not surprisingly, as experience accumulates, a
number of common pitfalls that can occur on green
building projects have been revealed:
n Indecision on the part of inexperienced owners
and design teams on complex systems can result
in late and costly changes.
n Many LEED® points, occupancy health, and ener-
gy savings can be achieved through advanced
dimmable lighting designs. Electrical engineers
and lighting designers admittedly overdesign and
pad estimates in anticipation of inevitable value
engineering measures. This can challenge the
redesign on-the-fly efforts that are asked of an
EC.
n ECs without strong in-house engineering capabil-
ities aligned with project size and scope will be
challenged to help meet LEED® requirements.
n The procurement of complex lighting systems,
dimmable ballasts, and lamps requires extra effort
and if not specified early, can result in schedule
delays.
n If not designed properly, complex lighting sys-
tems and controls can be labor intensive to com-
mission. Increasingly, these systems do not work
properly, requiring extensive call backs on green
building projects.
n Consulting engineers tend to be first-cost orient-
ed, conservative and unaware of new materials
and products that can improve energy efficiency.
Knowledge of new products and appropriate cost
calculations can enable the EC to play a more
active role in adding value to the projects, and
helping to meet LEED® goals.
5Lessons Learned by ElectricalContractors on GreenBuilding Projects
23
EMERGING GREEN MARKETS: STRATEGIES FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Forms of Risk on Green BuildingProjects
Significant sources of risk exist on green building
projects. The following forms of risk can threaten
profitability of green building projects for electrical
contractors.
n Electrical contractors are provided with incom-
plete designs for lighting and electrical systems,
which requires additional work to complete
design and design coordination.
n Electrical contractors may underestimate the time
required for design assistance and clarifications
and RFIs for new and complex energy and light-
ing systems.
n Electrical contractors may overlook additional
labor costs incurred to conform to non-standard
general conditions requirements such as special
packaging and on-site recycling.
Benefits of Green BuildingAwareness for ElectricalContractors
In summary, an electrical contractor’s awareness of
green building and LEED® is expected to have the fol-
lowing advantages:
n Potential repeat business and competitive advan-
tage on future projects.
n Potential for higher profit on higher-end systems
and fixtures.
n Potential for reduced risk by increased involve-
ment during design.
n Less damage, more productive, and safer job sites
that are cleaner and better organized.
n Closing out jobs faster because of increased com-
missioning.
n The potential for increased goodwill generated by
using socially and environmentally responsible
practices.
Concluding RecommendationsThe final element of this research involved an
interview with a former electrical contractor turned
developer in Portland Oregon. Nathan Philips of W &
G Development had early experience on several high-
profile green projects that included advanced electrical
and solar energy systems. As a developer, he has
become a strong advocate for green buildings. In his
perspective, green buildings provide a significant
opportunity for market differentiation among electri-
cal contractors. Philips provided the following advice
for contractors interested in a progressive and pro-
active stance in the green building market:
n Get educated about green and sustainable market
drivers.
n Develop a comprehensive understanding of sus-
tainable building design processes.
n Seek to add value to project teams through appro-
priate and timely assistance with green goals.
n Become indispensable to green building teams
through technical expertise.
n Develop repeat business among owners that value
green design.
n Develop expertise to be a leader in the emerging
market of green buildings.
Additional ReferencesLierly, R. and Kivela, K., “Integrating Sustainable
Design and Construction Concept into FY00
Homestead AFB Project,” ADAL Fire Station.”
24
ELECTRI International3 Bethesda Metro Center
Suite 1100Bethesda, Maryland 20814-5372
Tel: 301-215-4538Fax: 301-215-4536
Web: www.electri.org
© 2007 ELECTRI International—The Foundation for
Electrical Construction, Inc.All rights reserved.
Index No. F2708