Bluebeam PDF Revu used to eliminate 42,000 pages of paper and 1,557 lbs of CO2 Danvers, MA and Pasadena, CA (June 16, 2009) – Today, construction management firm William A. Berry & Son, Inc. (Berry) announced impressive results in its quest for a paperless project. Using Bluebeam PDF Revu, Berry, project architect Perkins+Will and all sub-contractors electronically redlined over 42,000 pages of construction documents in PDF – making the project almost completely paperless. By reviewing these documents electronically, the team reduced the project's carbon footprint by 1,557 lbs of CO2. Based on this exceptional achievement in sustainable communication, Berry is applying for a LEED Innovation & Design Credit from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Berry achieved this milestone by deploying Bluebeam PDF Revu, a PDF creation, markup and editing solution, to the entire project team working on the Overlook Center. Berry managed the core and shell construction, and is currently managing the fit out of this 100,000 square foot building in Waltham, MA. Developed by Bluebeam Software, Revu was selected due to its specialized features for architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals. Unlike other redlining tools, Bluebeam PDF Revu includes industry standard markups and takeoffs, an exclusive Tool Chest for storing custom annotations, a drawing comparison feature, integrated tracking and tablet PC compatibility. Combined, these features enabled all project documents – submittals, RFIs, punch lists and more – to be reviewed and redlined in a light-weight, universal file format. "Bluebeam was instrumental in helping us review and respond to project documents electronically," said Jay Bradley, Project Manager at Perkins+Will. "We found that Bluebeam was an essential part of streamlining and simplifying the construction administration process. The inherent simplicity of utilizing Bluebeam technology was key in helping achieve a cost effective, time sensitive, and sustainable solution to our daily work output." To ensure project-wide adoption, Berry and Bluebeam collaborated to train its staff, the Perkins+Will architectural team and sub-contractors on best practices for PDF markup and editing. As a result, Berry created a blueprint for paperless workflows that is being replicated on all of its future projects. "Bluebeam PDF Revu helped us transform the way we manage project communication and its unique tools for AEC allowed us to design an electronic workflow that is scalable," said Jake Chace, Senior Project Manager at William A. Berry & Son. "We're already using this process on current green building projects to eliminate paper usage and distribution, and hope that the example we've set will be recognized by the USGBC." "The paperless project has been the holy grail of the construction industry," said Richard Lee, CEO of Bluebeam Software. "Berry has proven that it is possible to go virtually paperless and engineer an electronic workflow that can be duplicated using Bluebeam technology. By recognizing paperless workflows in the LEED standard, the USGBC can incentivize green builders to follow Berry's lead in process sustainability, and affect real and significant change industry wide. Using Berry's results as an example, we estimate that the USGBC would be responsible for the reduction of over 25 million tons of CO2 emissions annually." Berry has submitted a LEED Silver application for the Overlook project and is currently awaiting notification from the USGBC. About William A. Berry & Son, Inc. Founded in 1857, William A. Berry & Son, Inc. is one of the nation's oldest construction companies. A top-ranked construction management firm by such leading publications as ENR, Building Design & Construction and Modern Healthcare, Berry has an extraordinary portfolio of institutional and corporate construction projects throughout the Northeast. About Perkins+Will Since 1935, Perkins+Will has collaborated with globally recognized clients to set worldwide standards for design innovation and exceptional service. Our practice spans Corporate + Commercial + Civic, Aviation, Healthcare, Higher Education, K-12 Education, and Science + Technology. With more LEED-Accredited Professionals than any other firm in North America, Perkins+Will is recognized as the preeminent sustainable design firm in the country. Our areas of expertise include architecture, interior design, branded environments, planning + strategies, and urban design. Perkins+Will routinely ranks among the world’s top design firms and has received hundreds of awards, including the prestigious American Institute of Architects' "Firm of the Year Award." About Bluebeam Software, Inc. Bluebeam Software invents, develops, and commercializes PDF software intelligently designed to meet the needs of design, engineering and business professionals. As the trusted standard in PDF technology for architects, engineers, and construction, Bluebeam produces high quality, easy to use products that allow project teams to improve communication and collaboration immediately with virtually no learning curve. For more information about the company, latest news, and purchasing information, visit Bluebeam Software at www.bluebeam.com.
