Green Assistance Program Guide Version 1
Launching and Managing a Project The GAP project timeline models the stages of a typical LEED EBOM building certification with distinct phases. The successful completion of a GAP project is contingent upon thorough preparation and ongoing management. Project administrators should allow up to 24 months for completion of a project from start to finish; including project selection and pre-feasibility phases (see sample Timeline). The steps below provide an outline for project planning and management.
Project Leadership Designate a project facilitator to assist with setting up and overseeing the project. This person will serve as a guide and resource for volunteers, and manage communication among client, volunteers, and the GBCI (for projects pursing LEED). The project facilitator should have LEED project experience, an interest in education and be prepared to dedicate up to 24 months to the project, working half time.
Funding Plan Set up a program budget (see sample budget) and plan for meeting program expenses. Expenses may include project registration, administrative overhead, catering for meetings and marketing materials. Funding options include sponsorship, in-kind donations, and grants. For sample grant language, please contact gap@usgbc-sd.org.
Project Selection Select a building owned or operated by a non-profit organization (“project”) for potential analysis. Work with the building owners and management (“client”) to ensure they have an understanding of the program commitments and timeline, and a demonstrated interest in participating.
Project Feasibility Complete a “pre-feasibility” assessment to verify that the potential project is eligible to pursue LEED EBOM certification. It is imperative that prerequisites and Minimum Program Requirements are confirmed before moving forward with a project. Once the building’s LEED eligibility has been confirmed, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (see sample MOU) should be executed between the client and facilitating organization.
Volunteer Selection Conduct community outreach to recruit project volunteers – local USGBC Chapter membership is one place to start. Facilitating organizations may want to limit participation to Chapter members and set the goal of 50-70 volunteers per project (depending on project scope). Green building experience is not necessary, although prior experience in the building industry is helpful. A volunteer background and commitment survey form (see sample) can be useful in tracking volunteer data and experience.
Project Orientation Once the project site and volunteers have been selected, convene a project orientation meeting(s) (see sample agendas) to provide a program introduction (orientation) and project overview (kickoff). During this meeting, volunteers self-assemble into sub-teams based on the 5 LEED credit categories and
© 2013 USGBC San Diego Chapter
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www.usgbc-sd.org/GAP