Phase 2: Measure design, supplier and contractor impacts
During the planning and design phases, the EcoPlan™ software is utilized to estimate the impacts that potential materials and designs would create. When the project is ready to bid, the EcoPlan is utilized to gather impact data from prospective suppliers and contractors. The EcoPlan then converts this impact data into performance metrics using established protocols and peer-reviewed data sources.
Technology Spotlight: Collecting Impact Data in the Procurement Phase
The EcoPlan includes a bidding application called “Good, Better, Best”. This application generates project-specific bid forms to collect impact data from major suppliers and contractors. These forms ask bidders questions about their bid’s materials, supply chains and installation assumptions. For each question, bidders select the answer that most closely matches their bid. The answers are labeled “Good, Better, or Best”. The EcoPlan then calculates reliable performance metrics based on these answers.
The format of this bid form causes bidders and suppliers to recognize that they will be evaluated according to their first cost as well as their impact on the client’s economic, environmental and social goals. Bidders are motivated to commit to local supply chains and efficient transportation options while still providing their most competitive price.