New Book Provides Green Building Guidance

January 29, 2015 1447 Views Andy Ryan, James T. Powers, Regional Medical Center, UH Manoa, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Ushijima Architects

DENVER — A new book helps guide construction lawyers through laws and regulations that govern green and sustainable development.

“Green Building and the Construction Lawyer: A Practical Guide to Transactional and Litigation Issues” was published and released in November by the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law.

Green building presents unique issues associated with legislation, design and construction practices, contract drafting, insurance, litigation and dispute resolution, among others. The book offers a primer focused on the special needs of the construction practitioner, and includes tips and commentary on key issues.

Melissa A. Beutler, a partner in the Las Vegas and Salt Lake City offices of Holland & Hart LLP, co-authored and co-edited the new book. Sean Hanlon, a partner in the firm’s Denver office also contributed as a co-author.

Beutler is a LEED accredited professional who writes and speaks on green construction topics. Her work includes drafting and negotiating construction contracts that involve green building, LEED and energy savings performance guarantees.

Hanlon represents construction firms, real estate companies and financial institutions in resolving complex litigation. In addition to counseling prime contractors, lenders, and loan servicers, he handles a variety of general commercial litigation matters. He also has represented clients in appellate matters in Colorado at the state and federal levels.

Sustainable development is presenting new issues to the design and construction community. In turn, the growing demand for these green/sustainable building projects, advances in design and construction in this area, and legislation directed to green and sustainable development are all impacting the practice of construction law.

“This book provides the industry a guide on both the history behind current green and sustainable initiatives as well as tips and advice on cutting edge issues,” Beutler said. “The project was initially conceived in 2007, but because of the rapid changes and developments going on in the industry, we held off until now so the book would be as thorough and relevant as possible.”