Customers often seek guidance from Industry professionals on construction costs, engineering, and scheduling requirements for proposed building projects. It is not unusual to find customer priorities firmly established around cost and aesthetic considerations. In the early stages of project review, many construction organizations are often ill prepared to broaden discussion and analysis to sustainability or ‘green’ issues.

Trumbull-Nelson Construction Company believes that this may be a costly oversight, and is currently developing client-focused resources to help educate customers on both the environmental and dollar impact surrounding materials choice, energy use and general building design.

In reality, construction is all about the effective use of resources, within the context of established budgets.

Project success is often defined in terms of design, delivery and management. But many owners have multiple goals and may need assistance in defining just what constitutes value for them. Few “seasoned” owners equate low initial building cost and high residual building value. Professional Construction Management companies can, and do, help owners make objective decisions about where investments of time and money will do the most good… and may also address valid client concerns about reducing the project’s environmental impact, increasing the building’s durability, and reducing total life-cycle costs.

During the past few years, Trumbull-Nelson has worked closely with many Owners and Architects to help incorporate sustainable design and green construction features into commercial and institutional projects.

Two noteworthy projects include the Co-op Food Store, in Lebanon, NH, and the Dartmouth Skiway Base Lodge, in Lyme, New Hampshire. Fred Ploeger, Trumbull-Nelson’s Purchasing Agent and L.E.E.D Coordinator (Leadership in Environmental Design) has developed resources and
information to help clients understand how proper planning, alternative building materials, and renewable energy resources can reduce maintenance and overall life-cycle costs. He is able to offer suggestions and solutions for minimizing construction and demolition waste (for recycling) to minimize a project’s overall environmental impact. As an active member of the New England Sustainable Energy Association, Fred is helping Trumbull-Nelson to establish a lead role within the construction community in addressing sustainability and green issues.

Without question, cost implications of ‘going green’ may be an impediment to project owners. Perhaps some clients may simply not be interested. For our part, we are committed to understanding the practice, and to providing the sort of focused information and strategies that just may address long-term solutions, and help to define value from each client’s perspective.

In the weeks ahead, Trumbull-Nelson will begin a number of notable building projects within the Region. Mud season will not deter commencement of work on the Stratton Mountain Club, in Stratton Mountain, Vt; Riverglen Assisted-Living Community, in Littleton, NH; the Community Senior Center, in Hanover, NH; the renovation of St. Thomas’ Church, in Hanover; a new water buffalo farm, in South Woodstock, Vt; work at DHMC; and various other projects within the Upper Valley.

Once again, I’d like to thank our past, present and future clients for their ongoing trust in our ability to provide courteous, professional, cost-effective service. We will strive to keep earning that trust. If we can help you with future building needs, I hope that you will give us a call.