For building owners and facility managers, understanding the process of integrating sustainable practices is essential. An important step is the Solve phase of Technical Assurance’s 5 Steps to Sustainability process. The Solve phase comes after the Discover-Plan phase, which typically consists of exploratory assessment and reporting, and involves developing practical design solutions for building envelope projects. Let’s explore what this phase entails and how it can be effectively implemented.

Understanding the Solve Phase

The Solve phase is where your vision of sustainability becomes tangible. It’s about identifying effective solutions to improve the building’s performance while ensuring cost-effectiveness and longevity. This phase focuses on collaboration with the client to develop the best and most practical solutions for the building’s repair, restoration and/or remediation. These solutions include capital renewal and O&M (Operations and Maintenance) repair program design, creation of design plans and construction documents, bid generation and bid management. Here’s how you can navigate this phase effectively.

Design Solutions: A Sustainable Approach

At the heart of the Solve phase is the creation of design solutions tailored to your building’s specific needs. This involves evaluating the current state of your building envelope and identifying areas for improvement. For instance, if your roofing system is aging, you might consider sustainable options like light-colored roofing materials, which can reduce energy consumption by reflecting sunlight and keeping buildings cooler.

Similarly, in façade design, integrating sustainable materials not only enhances aesthetics but also improves energy efficiency. Green walls and high-performance windows can significantly reduce heating and cooling demands while providing a unique visual appeal.

Specification Writing: Crafting Clear Project Guidelines

In the Solve phase, effective specification writing is key to communicating and implementing your sustainability goals in your building envelope projects. Specifications act as a roadmap for contractors, detailing required materials, performance standards, and installation methods.

Clarity and detail are crucial. The scope of work should be clearly defined and easy to understand. For example, instead of saying “install roofing,” specify the type of material, insulation thickness, and energy efficiency ratings. This reduces ambiguity and aligns everyone with project goals.

Incorporate sustainability criteria, such as eco-friendly materials and energy performance metrics, to prioritize sustainable solutions from contractors. Additionally, include quality assurance measures to ensure that work meets your standards, safeguarding the integrity of your building envelope. Clear specifications not only streamline project execution but also reinforce the project team’s commitment to sustainable practices.

Cost Estimating: Balancing Budget and Sustainability

Cost estimating is another critical component of the Solve phase. While sustainable solutions may come with higher upfront costs, the long-term savings and benefits often outweigh these initial investments. Engaging with experienced cost estimators who understand the nuances of sustainable building practices is essential. At Technical Assurance, we can help you navigate potential pitfalls and identify cost-effective solutions that align with your sustainability goals.

Vendor Sourcing: Building Strong Partnerships

Finding the right vendors is important for the successful implementation of your design solutions. Engaging with contractors who understand your sustainability objectives ensures that the products and services you receive align with your goals. Furthermore, establishing strong relationships with these vendors can also lead to better pricing, timely delivery, and superior service. Conducting thorough research and soliciting feedback from other facility managers can guide you in selecting the most reputable partners. Technical Assurance also has over thirty years of experience connecting clients with the appropriate vendors for their projects and project goals.

Bid Management: Streamlining the Process

Once you have a clear understanding of your project scope and have identified potential vendors, the next step is bid management. This process involves soliciting bids from various contractors and comparing their proposals. Ensure that the bidding documents clearly outline your sustainability goals and expectations. Managing this process effectively requires attention to detail. Our experts at Technical Assurance review bids not just for cost but also for alignment with your sustainability objectives. We will consider the contractor’s experience with sustainable projects, as well as their approach to project management and timelines to provide our clients with the best possible experience and outcomes.

Conclusion

The Solve phase is a vital step in Technical Assurance’s Five Steps to Sustainability process. By focusing on thoughtful design solutions, clear communication, strategic cost estimating, effective vendor sourcing, and careful bid management, we work together with building owners and facility managers to manage projects for a more sustainable future. Let’s take the step towards sustainability together!

Contact Us Today!

Technical Assurance’s unique Five Steps to Sustainability process ensures thorough, superior results through all stages of the assessment, design and management of projects and programs. Contact us today for a consultation and assure that your investment lasts well into the future.

Achieving Sustainability: The Solve Phase for Building Owners and Facility Managers