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SUSTAINABLE PRE-CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES: SETTING THE FOUNDATION FOR GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION

Highlight pre-construction strategies for achieving LEED or similar green certifications, such as material selection and site planning.

Authors:

Aditya Pandit

Project Manager

BECO Asset Management, LLC

Chesapeake, USA

aditya.pandit.003@gmail.com

Abstract                                                                                            

The pre-construction phase is a critical stage in sustainable construction, offering a unique opportunity to embed environmentally conscious strategies into a project’s foundation. This article explores pre-construction practices to achieve green building certifications such as LEED, NGBS, and ENERGY STAR. Key strategies discussed include sustainable site selection, lifecycle-based material procurement, energy modeling, integrated design processes, and collaboration with certification authorities. A 3800 Acqua and Royal Sail Project case study demonstrates the tangible benefits of these practices, including significant energy savings, financial incentives, and enhanced marketability. Lessons learned and replicable practices are outlined to guide construction professionals in developing high-performance, sustainable projects that meet stringent certification standards and contribute to global sustainability goals.

Keywords—Sustainable construction, pre-construction practices, green building certifications, LEED, NGBS, ENERGY STAR, lifecycle assessment, energy modeling, integrated design, mortgage insurance premium reduction