An integrated construction management approach for addressing LEED project challenges

Abstract: Notwithstanding the progress that has been made in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, engineering and construction professionals express frustrations with meeting the stringent criteria required to earn LEED building certifications. Without effective management practices, LEED project challenges can minimize the capacity of construction organizations to achieve LEED project certifications in a cost-effective and timely manner. The main purpose of this study is to explore LEED project challenges and develop an integrated construction management approach for minimizing LEED challenges. A mixed method approach utilizing surveys and a case study was adopted for this research project. Responses obtained from surveys completed by construction professionals were clustered into common themes and analyzed. Furthermore, interviews and LEED project document reviews were employed to examine the management practices implemented by joint venture partners on an ongoing LEED project. Results revealed four clusters of LEED challenges: Constructing LEED buildings (43%); Tracking LEED credits (26%); Understanding LEED requirements (22%); and Accessing LEED resources (9%). Drawing from these results and the case study, an integrated construction management approach for enhancing LEED project success was developed. The key components of this approach are project-specific, organization, and industry-wide practices. This approach should reduce LEED project challenges, and improve LEED project success