Sub-Clause 20.1 requires the Contractor to give a notice of claim within 28 days of becoming aware of the event. The Green Book is "simpler" but not forgiving. Miss this deadline, and you lose entitlement. A searchable PDF allows you to find every "28 day" reference instantly.
The FIDIC Green Book 2017 is a lean, pragmatic contract for small works. Its strength lies in its brevity and flexibility, but that same brevity requires the parties to carefully complete the Contract Data and to understand the risks – especially the absence of a DAB and unforeseen conditions clause.
When to use:
When NOT to use:
For anyone managing a small FIDIC contract, the Green Book 2017 is a powerful tool – but only if you read it fully before signing.
End of guide
Important Note Regarding the FIDIC Green Book 2017
Before providing details on the article, it is crucial to clarify a common point of confusion regarding this specific document.
The "Green Book" 2017 is actually the Short Form of Contract. In the 2017 edition suite, FIDIC released the Red Book (Construction), Yellow Book (Plant & Design-Build), and Silver Book (EPC/Turnkey). However, the Green Book (Short Form of Contract) was not updated in 2017; its current edition remains the 1999 edition (with a Test Edition for DBO published in 2008, which was later superseded by the Gold Book). fidic green book 2017 pdf
Therefore, when you search for the "FIDIC Green Book 2017," you are likely looking for one of two things:
Assuming you are looking for the active FIDIC Green Book (Short Form of Contract), below is a summary of a highly useful article explaining its application.
The FIDIC Green Book 2017 is ideal for:
While you may find PDF copies of the Green Book (1999) or the 2017 Red Book online, it is highly recommended to purchase the official version from the FIDIC website.
Why avoid "free" PDFs?
If you specifically need the 2017 updates: If you were looking for the updated contract management procedures (like the DAAB mechanism), you likely need the FIDIC Red Book 2017. The Green Book (1999) uses older terminology (DAB/Arbitration) compared to the 2017 suite's modern approach (DAAB/Avoidance).
The FIDIC Green Book was updated to its Second Edition in December 2021, rather than 2017, introducing a new Prolongation Cost (PGC) mechanism for pre-determined compensation of overheads during contractor delays. This edition introduces an Engineer to administer the contract and adopts a simplified, user-friendly structure for smaller projects. For more details, visit White & Case LLP Short Form Revamp: the 2021 FIDIC Green Book
The FIDIC Green Book 2017 is often a point of confusion for those searching for the updated "Short Form of Contract." While the major "Rainbow Suite" (Red, Yellow, and Silver books) received major updates in 2017, the Green Book followed its own timeline, with the Second Edition officially launched in December 2021. Sub-Clause 20
If you are looking for the latest version, you should seek the 2021 Second Edition, which was designed as a modern, simplified alternative to the heavyweight 2017 Red and Yellow Books. What is the FIDIC Green Book?
The Green Book is FIDIC’s Short Form of Contract, traditionally intended for projects with a low perceived level of risk, small capital value (often cited under USD 500,000 in the first edition), or short duration (under 6 months). However, the latest version has been significantly expanded to cover projects up to USD 10 million in value. Key Features of the Latest Green Book
The new edition maintains the "balanced risk sharing" philosophy of the 1999 original but introduces several sophisticated mechanisms found in the larger 2017 suite:
Appointment of an Engineer: Unlike the 1999 version, the new edition introduces an Engineer to administer the contract and ensure smoother daily management.
Prolongation Cost (PGC): A notable innovation where contractors are entitled to specific overhead compensation for compensable delays, calculated via a clear formula to avoid lengthy disputes over actual losses.
Flexible Valuation Options: Parties can choose between lump sum (single or stage payments), re-measurement, or cost-plus valuation.
Dispute Avoidance: It emphasizes proactive management by allowing for an adjudicator to be appointed early to provide informal assistance before formal disputes arise.
Comprehensive Documentation: The book now includes over 40 communication forms (proformas) to standardize notices and requests between parties. Comparison: 1999 First Edition vs. 2021 Second Edition 1999 Green Book 2021 Green Book (Revised) Length ~26–30 pages Engineer Role Not included Central to administration Claim Procedure Simplified Formalized, reflecting 2017 Suite Project Value Up to $10 million Dispute Resolution Basic Adjudication Enhanced Adjudication with avoidance How to Obtain the PDF New updated FIDIC Green Book short form contract launched The FIDIC Green Book 2017 is a lean,
Final recommendation: If you need the Green Book 2017 PDF for a real project, buy the official copy from FIDIC. It is reasonably priced for a professional contract, legally clean, and includes the all-important Guidance Notes. Avoid "free PDF" sites – they often host the outdated 1999 version or malware-ridden files.
The FIDIC Green Book: The Go-To "Short Form" for Simple Projects
In the complex world of international construction, not every project requires the hundred-plus pages of a FIDIC Red Book. For smaller works or low-risk ventures, the FIDIC Green Book—officially known as the Short Form of Contract—remains the industry’s streamlined solution. Why Choose the Green Book?
The Green Book is designed for projects where the perceived level of risk is low, and the parties want a simple document that doesn't require massive contract administration resources.
Project Size: Historically intended for projects under US$500,000, though the updated 2nd Edition (2021) is now recommended by the World Bank for projects up to US$10 million.
Administrative Ease: Unlike the 2017 Red or Yellow Books, it lacks heavy contract management processes, making it faster to implement.
Flexibility: It can be used for nearly all types of engineering and building works, regardless of who is responsible for the design. Key Features and 2021 Evolution
Although a "2017 Green Book" PDF is often searched for because of the 2017 Rainbow Suite launch, the Green Book’s major update actually arrived in December 2021. Key features include:
FIDIC 2017: two years on | BCLP - Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner