The Need for Quality Metrics in Green Construction Companies
The Need for Quality Metrics in Green Construction Companies:
Analysis of Quality Differences in Traditional and Sustainable Building Practices
Susie Williamson susangwilliamson@hotmail.com 9470 N. Little Cottonwood Rd. Sandy, Utah 84092
Dr. Leo Shelton
PM 588
Fall Session 2, 2010
Introduction
Conrad Construction Industries is a residential and commercial contracting firm based in Salt Lake City, Utah consisting of 100 employees, in addition to governing a board of directors and multiple subcontractors. The organization has maintained a competive advantage in the construction industry for several years. However, in 2006 the board of directors recognized an industry trend towards sustainable building driven by the increasing demand for LEED certified general contractors, and initiated the shift from a cost-based strategy to a value-based focus. Thus, CCI began to transform itself from a traditional construction company to a green building firm, investing heavily in high-tech machinery, equipment and latest innovative building materials to support the processes of sustainable design. “Sustainable design is the practice of creating healthier and more resource efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition (Hassan, 2006). LEED, or Leadership in Energy Efficient Design, is the accreditation awarded by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) to projects meeting the extensive criteria based on the building’s efficient performance, low waste production. Today, there are over 138,170 LEED professionals working in the United States, and approximately 891 LEED professionals in Utah (GBCI, 2010). LEED is currently the highest level validation for quality standards in the green building market. Analysts also confirm that this market is on the rise, speculating that the industry will triple in growth over the next five years (Rock Products, 2010).
Problem Statement Despite their long-standing
Analysis of Quality Differences in Traditional and Sustainable Building Practices
Susie Williamson susangwilliamson@hotmail.com 9470 N. Little Cottonwood Rd. Sandy, Utah 84092
Dr. Leo Shelton
PM 588
Fall Session 2, 2010
Introduction
Conrad Construction Industries is a residential and commercial contracting firm based in Salt Lake City, Utah consisting of 100 employees, in addition to governing a board of directors and multiple subcontractors. The organization has maintained a competive advantage in the construction industry for several years. However, in 2006 the board of directors recognized an industry trend towards sustainable building driven by the increasing demand for LEED certified general contractors, and initiated the shift from a cost-based strategy to a value-based focus. Thus, CCI began to transform itself from a traditional construction company to a green building firm, investing heavily in high-tech machinery, equipment and latest innovative building materials to support the processes of sustainable design. “Sustainable design is the practice of creating healthier and more resource efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition (Hassan, 2006). LEED, or Leadership in Energy Efficient Design, is the accreditation awarded by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) to projects meeting the extensive criteria based on the building’s efficient performance, low waste production. Today, there are over 138,170 LEED professionals working in the United States, and approximately 891 LEED professionals in Utah (GBCI, 2010). LEED is currently the highest level validation for quality standards in the green building market. Analysts also confirm that this market is on the rise, speculating that the industry will triple in growth over the next five years (Rock Products, 2010).
Problem Statement Despite their long-standing
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