Green Specification Gets A Whole-lot Easier

My GreenSpec, the latest application from GreenSpec, has now been available on-line for only a matter of weeks but already hundreds of specifiers have logged-in to use the free service.

My GreenSpec takes the time and effort out of assembling an outline specification whilst helping users move towards ‘green’ construction techniques. Starting from a personalised web page, the building designer can select from a collection of some 900 (and expanding) construction elements that when combined represent the key areas of a building. Once selected, an element is automatically broken-down into its constituent components from where the designer can dynamically assign products and materials from within the GreenSpec compendium, or enter their own products from other sources. Elements can be added or deleted at will, components can be short-listed for inclusion and all can be shared with other members of the design team. At any point, by selecting the text output, an NBS compatible outline specification can be created ‘on-the-fly’ that can be further edited to form the basis of a full specification.

Specifier Brian Murphy of Architectural Specification Writing Services (responsible for specifying over £2,200m of building work including the British Library and Bluewater in Kent) said: ‘I know how painful and slow the process can be, so when GreenSpec suggested a specification writing tool that simplifies the process to: ‘Choose the construction method then select the products for each component where the specification assembles itself’, I was taken aback at the simplicity of it all and potentially out of a job!; now every architect & D&B contractor will choose to do their own.’

In addition My GreenSpec is linked to Burdens Environmental to make the specification process even smoother. GreenSpec’s product compendium has integrated with Burdens Environmental’s pricing and delivery service - enabling a specifier, designer, builder or contractor to request prices and availability of any of the products listed on GreenSpec. Will Kirkman, Business Development Director Burdens Environmental said, “this is one of the most important moves forward for the promotion,  use and uptake of green construction materials  and sustainable construction methods;  the central involvement of knowledgeable and reliable nationwide distribution offers real savings to customers;  such a comprehensive offering linking specifiers and architects through the  supply chain directly  to the constructor means significant procurement cost reductions for  environmental products all available for ‘just on time’ delivery and  all from one source”