AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

Writing the Green RFP
Sustainable Design Language for Consultant Requests

This is a tool for clients--educational and cultural institutions, companies, agencies, non-profit organizations, and others--who are writing requests for proposals or qualifications from architects and other design professionals, as well as development, construction, and construction management services. Each project and site is different and each RFP or RFQ should also be unique, including the aspects of sustainable design and planning that are appropriate to the project, site, and region. This document touches on the basic elements of an RFP for design services for a sustainable project, as well as some of the issues to be considered. Some of the language cited is fairly ambitious, and clients should take care to thoroughly understand the cost and schedule implications of such requirements, should they include those in their project requests.

BUILDING AND DESIGN RESOURCES

Building Green

Environmental Design + Construction (ED+C). This magazine, the only monthly green building publication, keeps readers on top of the latest developments in the green building industry, from innovative products and strategies to the latest in technology. Visit www.edcmag.com to sign up for a free copy.

Green Building Materials: A Guide to Product Selection and Specification. Spiegel, Ross and Dru Meadows. Wiley, 2006. This hands-on guide to designing environmentally-friendly buildings is written by two nationally known experts on the subject. You’ll find practical information on green product selection, product specification, and construction processes. You’ll also learn just what green building materials are, where you can find them, and how you can use them effectively.

The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design. Mendler, Sandra F., William Odell, and Mary Ann Lazarus. Wiley, 2005. This reference guide on high performance design covers major sustainability issues and offers a guide on the green project process, cost implications, and case studies. There’s also a detailed checklist of issues to consider at each stage of the design.

Schools

Designing the Sustainable School. Ford, Alan. Images Publishing, 2007. This 256-page hardcover, which comes out in October, describes 45 new school buildings (31 of them in the U.S.) that meet LEED certification. Ford, a Colorado-based architect, compiles an impressive lineup of designs worldwide, complete with floor plans, beautiful photos, and detailed descriptions of what makes each building unique.

EarthTeam.net An environmental resource for teens, teachers, and youth leaders. EarthTeam’s goal is to create a new generation of environmental leaders starting in the classroom.