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Sustainability vs. Contractual Obligation: The Debate Around Hard Copies of O&M Manuals
In recent years, we at Riddell PM have observed an increasing number of subcontractors refusing to issue hard copies of their Work Package O&M manuals, citing their sustainability policies as the reason. While sustainability is undoubtedly a vital concern in today’s construction industry, there is a crucial point being overlooked: contractual obligations.
The Contractual Reality
When a subcontractor enters into a contract with the principal contractor, that contract should align with the requirements laid out in the main contract between the end client and the principal contractor. This means that if the main contract stipulates that hard copies of the O&M manuals are to be provided, subcontractors are contractually obligated to fulfil this requirement, regardless of their internal sustainability policy. In essence, the subcontractor’s commitment to their sustainability practices cannot supersede their legal responsibilities. The image is an example of 3 no. hard copies of the overall suite of handover documentation for a £20m hospital.
The key takeaway here is simple: someone will ultimately need to print the necessary documentation. If subcontractors refuse, this task falls upon the party producing the overall suite of O&M Manuals, which can lead to unnecessary delays and additional costs.
A Sustainable Future – Embracing Digital
Despite this, at Riddell PM, we fully agree that a digital-only approach should be the norm moving forward. In our experience, hard copies often end up being relegated to archive rooms, gathering dust and never being referred to for the entire lifecycle of a building. This not only wastes resources but also misses out on the efficiency and accessibility that digital documentation offers.
Modern end clients are increasingly recognising the value of digital manuals. Our Pyramid Digital Building Manual product is an excellent example of this, offering a fully bookmarked and hyperlinked digital experience. All individual PDFs are linked and can be accessed through a main graphic navigation front page, eliminating the frustration of endless digital folders and cryptic filenames.
The Path Forward
To drive real change, principal contractors must champion a digital-first approach, ensuring that end clients set the tone for sustainability and modernisation. By working together, the industry can streamline processes, reduce unnecessary printing, and ensure that important O&M information is easily accessible and user-friendly.
Let’s build a future where sustainability and practicality coexist, with digital manuals leading the way for a greener, more efficient construction industry. 💡🌿
#Sustainability #Construction #DigitalTransformation #OMManuals #BuildingDocumentation #RiddellPM #CDM
