Visualizing the project as a whole by the team members at the beginning of the
project was observed in this planning stage. Client’s representatives of both projects
confirmed that the knowledge of the LEED consultant was the most useful resource to
visualize the sustainability of the project and determine the strategies to achieve them
successfully. The LEED consultant of project “B” mentioned that, “we should have
thorough knowledge and understanding on construction aspects as well as LEED
rating system and procedures to organize and schedule the project activities before
implementation”. In addition, the team’s experience was valuable. For example, the
architect of project “A” commented “I have experience with a similar kind of project
with the same client and general contractor in India. That experience was very useful
for me to utilize at every stage of this project” and the architect of project “B” using his
prior research experience selected the best site for the project. He stated: “I got three
pre-identified locations for the project within 125 acres of land. I selected the lowest
level land by seeing the development potential of a facility which merged with nature
and addresses the issue of sustainable site”. In addition to using individual expertise located within the team members, team discussions were used to visualize the project
scope and problems where strategies such as SWOT and brainstorming sessions were
used by the members. It was seen how expertise of certain team members inspired
others when working as a team. For example, the architect of project “B” mentioned
that the “LEED consultant of my project was an expert. Although I did not have
previous experience in LEED projects, he guided me wherever necessary and his
knowledge and experience was the inspiration to me for my contribution”.