The is a modernized, streamlined contract designed for projects where the perceived level of risk is low or where parties want to avoid the heavy administrative burden of larger standard forms. While the original 1999 edition was strictly for small projects under $500,000, the 2021 update reflects current market reality, where this form is often used for projects valued up to $10 million and lasting over two years. Key Features of the 2021 Green Book
The 2nd Edition introduces several "practitioner-friendly" features intended to reduce disputes and streamline contract management: New updated FIDIC Green Book short form contract launched
, though it lacks the strict "time bar" (forfeiture of rights) found in larger FIDIC forms. Expanded Guidance : The total page count increased from 44 to 155, including 40 sample communication forms to aid practitioners. White & Case LLP Contract Structure short form of contract 2nd ed 2021 green book pdf
The "Short Form of Contract" title reflects its original purpose: a simple, short-form contract intended for low-risk, low-value, or short-duration projects. It is a single, slim document designed to provide the essential commercial and administrative terms for a construction project without the complexity found in other FIDIC forms.
The Green Book 2nd Edition is designed to be straightforward, incorporating essential commercial provisions where the perceived level of risk is low and there is a need for simplified contract administration. The is a modernized, streamlined contract designed for
Official, secure PDF copies of the Green Book 2021 must be purchased directly from the official FIDIC Bookshop or authorized international distributors. These files are typically protected by digital rights management (DRM) and include customized watermarks for legal use in active tenders and contract compilations.
The FIDIC Short Form of Contract, universally referred to as the (owing to the colour of its first edition cover), is a standard form contract designed for building and engineering works. It is one of several "colour books" published by FIDIC, a global organisation representing consulting engineers. The Green Book is known for being a significantly less complex alternative to FIDIC's other renowned forms, such as the Red Book (for works designed by the Employer) and the Yellow Book (for plant and design-build). Expanded Guidance : The total page count increased
No longer restricted by strict dollar values; it is now an "agile alternative" for any project with a low risk profile. Design Flexibility:
: A new liquidated damages mechanism simplifies compensation for overheads during compensable delays, avoiding the need for complex expert assessments. Claims Procedure
within 28 days of the contract's effective date for dispute avoidance and binding decisions. Final disputes are settled via ICC Expedited Procedure arbitration with a sole arbitrator. FIDIC | International Federation of Consulting Engineers
The FIDIC Green Book is the formal Short Form of Contract within the renowned FIDIC "Rainbow Suite" of contract documents. It was first published by the International Federation of Consulting Engineers in 1999 to cater to smaller, lower-risk projects. The first edition consisted of just 15 clauses, spanning a mere 10 pages. It was designed as a simple, easily understandable legal framework for parties who did not want to engage in the heavy, complex administration and resource-intensive management that often accompanies larger FIDIC contracts such as the Red Book (for construction) or the Yellow Book (for plant and design-build).