Frequently Asked Questions
How does the EcoPlan™ software enhance
green building programs like LEED® and the Living
Building Challenge©?
The EcoPlan
software provides the documentation that you need to
satisfy your regional materials credit 3.2 and provides a
compelling argument for two additional innovation credits.
For the Living Building Challenge, the EcoPlan software
provides a superior carbon footprint and the resource data
that you need to meet the radius restrictions and avoid
red-list materials. Whether used on its own or added to a
green building program, the EcoPlan software delivers
specific value to your projects at a very low cost.
What types of projects can we use the EcoPlan
software for?
Transportation, utility
projects, recurring maintenance projects, new buildings
and major renovations can all utilize the EcoPlan
software. The EcoPlan software is also useful to create
master plans that will set projects apart and attract
green and socially driven tenants.
How does the EcoPlan software help to achieve
the leading climate change policy
objectives?
The American Institute of
Architect’s 2030 Challenge, the US Conference of
Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement and American
College & University President’s Climate Commitment
each anticipate construction activities that will have
economic, social and environmental implications. The 2030
Challenge anticipates that over 5 billion sf of new
buildings and an additional 5 billion sf of renovation
projects will occur in the US per year. Even if these
buildings are built to be more energy efficient, the
economic and resource implications are substantial. The
EcoPlan software offers a way to capitalize on the
economic potential of these projects while minimizing the
Greenhouse Gas emissions from the construction process and
promoting the efficient use of natural resources.
Does the EcoPlan software conflict with public
contracting laws?
No. While public
contracting laws do promote the lowest “cost”,
there are few that stipulate the lowest
“price”. Nearly all public contracting laws
allow for the consideration of life cycle costs including
transportation costs that allow the purchasing agent to
make the best value decision. Many jurisdictions also use
“exception” processes to facilitate
alternative procurement methods like CM / GC and sole
source contracts. The EcoPlan software provides quality
information to the decision making team but does not
pre-determine any purchasing decisions.
How does the EcoPlan software provide its users
with a competitive advantage?
The best
project managers will be able to demonstrate their ability
to maximize economic development, minimize environmental
impacts and support how their decisions can be
accommodated within their capital improvement budgets.
Until now, delivering metrics on these goals has been
overwhelming. The EcoPlan software streamlines the
process resulting in reduced administrative costs,
reliable metrics that demonstrate the pro’s and
con’s of each decision, and new Best Management
Practices to minimize impacts.