In this episode, Elias Saltz, Steve Gantner, and Dave Stutzman dig into a real-world challenge involving a LEED consultant pushing outdated, boilerplate sustainability language into every technical spec section—creating unnecessary repetition, confusion, and potential conflicts.
Key Issues
A lead consultant insisted on inserting:
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Four references to Division 1 in every section
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A generic, non-specific submittal paragraph
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A boilerplate Part 2 article that added no technical value
The Conspectus team pushed back, reinforcing the core principle of “say things once, and in the right place.”
Requirements that apply everywhere belong in Division 1, while technical, product-specific details belong in Parts 1–2 of each section.
What they decided:
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No bulk copying of generic sustainability language into 2–49
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Yes to integrating actual technical requirements into the correct sections
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Yes to refining bloated, outdated language
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Yes to placing global requirements in Division 1 for clarity
Their client agreed—recognizing the consultant’s approach as obsolete and directing them to follow Conspectus’ structure.
Bigger Discussion
The team explored:
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The hierarchy of contract documents (Contract → Division 1 → technical sections)
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How early LEED guidance encouraged duplication—and how that thinking still lingers
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When to centralize sustainability requirements in Division 1 vs. locating them within individual materials sections
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Avoiding conflicting references to VOC standards (e.g., SCAQMD, CARB)
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Ensuring EPD/HPD requirements are achievable and don’t force unnecessary substitutions
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Balancing global project-level credits with performance-based specifications
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The architect and LEED consultant’s shared responsibility in verifying viable, documentable products before bidding
Takeaway
Good sustainability specifications require:
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Clarity
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Proper placement of information
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Up-front coordination between LEED consultants, architects, and specifiers
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Avoiding repetition that bloats specs and creates risk
Elias Saltz, Steve Gantner, David Stutzman
