STATE-OF-PRACTICE OF LEED IN THE UNITED STATES: A CONTRACTOR'S PERSPECTIVE

This paper evaluates the state-of-practice of LEED amongst general contractors in the United States through a comprehensive questionnaire survey. The results received from 177 responses are summarized in five sections namely general information, green experience, green prospects, practical LEED application, and green risks and benefits. The study revealed that construction companies are presently between the research phase and the action phase of implementing LEED into business strategy. Use of consultants by general contractors was found to be common in LEED projects. Owner's request, company philosophy, marketing, and competition were identified as the most important reasons for respondents to consider LEED. The respondents almost unanimously indicated that cost increases were the most important barrier to LEED usage. Design, material prices, material selection, project planning, and sub-contractor selection were identified as the most important project components with respect to LEED.