Chapter 6 - Knowledge Areas and Skills for Green Construction Project Management

Abstract

Based on a series of interviews and a questionnaire administered to industry practitioners, this chapter identifies the top ten challenges faced by project managers who execute green construction projects. These challenges are “the longer time required during the preconstruction process,” “difficulty in the selection of subcontractors who provide green construction services,” “uncertainty with green materials and equipment,” “high cost of green materials and equipment,” “increased meetings and coordination required with green consultants and engineers,” “more frequent alterations and variations with the design during the construction process,” “difficulty in comprehending the green specifications in the contract details,” “unforeseen circumstances in executing green projects,” “planning of nontraditional construction sequences,” and “planning of different construction techniques.” This chapter also identifies the critical knowledge areas and skills that are essential to respond to these challenges. The most important knowledge areas are schedule management and planning, stakeholder management, communication management, cost management, and human resources management, while the most important skills are analytical, decision making, teamwork, delegation, and problem-solving skills.