(C05) Specifications and Submittals - You can't have what you don't ask for.

This session will focus on the importance of specification content in Division 1 as well as other technical sections, and how the requirements outlined can be improved from standard industry templates commonly used as starting points for projects. It will additionally include the transition from the design documents to the construction team, and final implementation in the submittal process. The importance of the specifications as contract documents must be leveraged for project success without being abused to ensure clear and reasonable requirements, and consistent, ongoing communication between the contractors and designers.

Unlike previously presented, specification-focused sessions, we will walk through the meaning of the specification book, Divisions' subsections, why the location of requirements within a section matters, as well as numerous specific lessons learned from over 100 LEED and WELL projects administered between two individuals, one of whom has shared expertise as a specification writer for "green" projects for over 15 years. The information shared will help attendees gain a greater understanding of the functions of specifications in general (something that is rarely fully explained to designers - too often it is assumed that either the person already knows, or doesn't need to understand the bigger picture) as well as better understand how to include enforceable requirements for better accountability through the end of certification processes.

The outcome will be a more comprehensive understanding of the role that specifications play in a design/construction project, as well as how to appropriately author and enforce the requirements needed to ensure a successful LEED, WELL, SITES, or other sustainable project.