Also, building green is very expensive. If owners are going to pay the extra money to go green, they want to see the return on that investment. With green buildings, this is a very quantifiable investment. If the heating and electricity bills are not as low as promised, clients will not be happy with the building.
The best thing you can do to protect yourself from risk is to be open and honest.
• Create marketing materials for your company with reality in mind, rather than making lofty promises.
• Do not allow clients to have high expectations for things you are not sure you can deliver on.
• Pay attention when drafting or signing contracts to make sure the language accurately reflects expectations and realistic goals.
• Improve your project management process to more clearly define your company’s goals, requirements and limits.
• Seek insurance coverage for green-specific areas, especially for your green services and warrantees on green projects.
Jumping into the green movement might seem like a lucrative and logical step for your business to take. Before you go green, educate yourself to avoid costly lawsuits and common liability exposures for those engaging in green construction.
