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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.
Sincerely,
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