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 Avoid "free PDF" sites – they often host the outdated 1999 version or malware-ridden files.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 2nd Edition, released in December 2021, replaces the 1999 "Short Form" as an intermediate contract for projects up to $10 million, aligning with 2017 suite principles. Key updates include introducing an Engineer, a new Prolongation Cost (PGC) mechanism, and a revised, non-fatal claim notification process. Detailed analysis of these changes is available from Fenwick Elliott Fenwick Elliott FIDIC's New Green Form – The Missing Link
The Green Book 2nd edition is recommended to be used by the World Bank for projects up to US$10 million. Howard Kennedy Knowledge Hub FIDIC gives green light on new edition - Fenwick Elliott
In the competitive world of international construction, the FIDIC Green Book
(Short Form of Contract) is often the unsung hero for projects that need speed over complexity. While most of the "Rainbow Suite"—like the 2017 Red and Yellow Books—is famed for being exhaustive (and often over 100 pages), the Green Book was traditionally the lean, 10-page alternative for smaller works.
The "story" of the 2017-2021 era is one of a major transition where FIDIC realized its "short" form was being used for massive, multi-million dollar projects. The Evolution: From 1999 to the 2021 Refresh
Though you mentioned 2017, it is critical to note that the FIDIC Green Book did not receive a dedicated "2017 edition" alongside the Red, Yellow, and Silver books. Instead, it remained in its 1999 First Edition form until a massive overhaul in December 2021. FIDIC's New Green Form – The Missing Link
While there is no standalone FIDIC Green Book 2017, FIDIC significantly updated its Short Form of Contract (Green Book)
in December 2021 to align with the core principles and "look and feel" of the broader 2017 FIDIC Suite (Red, Yellow, and Silver Books). The Green Book (2nd Edition, 2021)
is designed as a simpler alternative to the 2017 suite for projects where risk is perceived as low, or parties wish to minimize administrative resources. Key Features of the Updated FIDIC Green Book Short Form Revamp: the 2021 FIDIC Green Book
The search for a "FIDIC Green Book 2017 PDF" can be misleading because, unlike the Red, Yellow, and Silver Books, the FIDIC Green Book was not updated in 2017. The actual latest edition was released in December 2021 as the Short Form of Contract, 2nd Edition.
This Second Edition is designed to align with the core principles of the FIDIC 2017 Suite while remaining a simpler alternative for projects with lower risk profiles. Why the "2017" Confusion Exists
While the Red, Yellow, and Silver Books received major updates in 2017, the Green Book remained in its 1999 form until late 2021. Users often search for a "2017 version" because they expect the Green Book to match the rest of the 2017 "Rainbow Suite" timeline. However, the 2021 Green Book is the official companion meant to be used alongside those 2017 forms. Key Features of the New Green Book (2nd Ed, 2021)
The 2021 edition expands on the 1999 version to better reflect modern industry practices and the reality that "short forms" are often used for projects exceeding $10 million. Short Form of Contract 2nd Ed (2021 Green Book) - FIDIC fidic green book 2017 pdf
The FIDIC Green Book 2021 (Short Form of Contract, 2nd Edition) is the current standard for smaller projects or those with low perceived risk. It updated the original 1999 edition to align with the 2017 Red, Yellow, and Silver Books while remaining significantly shorter and more user-friendly. Key Features of the 2021 Edition
The latest Green Book introduced several administrative and risk-sharing mechanisms to modernize the contract:
The Engineer: Unlike the 1999 version, which used an "Employer's Representative," the 2021 edition introduces an Engineer to administer the contract and determine claims neutrally.
Prolongation Costs: A new liquidated damages provision for compensable delays, calculated using a pre-determined formula in the Contract Data.
Claims Procedure: Now features a more detailed 14-clause structure, though it notably avoids the strict "time bars" found in the 2017 Red and Yellow books.
Dispute Resolution: Requires the early appointment of an Adjudicator (within 28 days of the contract's start) to assist with dispute avoidance and binding decisions. Recommended User Guides & Resources
For a deep dive into the 2021 version, several authoritative guides are available: FIDIC 2017: A Definitive Guide to Claims and Disputes
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
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).
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. Final recommendation: If you need the Green Book
1. The "Green" Philosophy (Simplicity) The article highlights that the Green Book is designed for "simplicity and flexibility." Unlike the complex Red or Yellow Books, the Green Book is roughly one-third of the length. It is written in simple language, making it accessible to parties who may not have extensive legal teams. It avoids the heavy administrative burdens found in the 2017 major suites.
2. Recommended Use Cases The article outlines exactly when to use the Green Book:
3. The Role of "The Engineer" Unlike the 2017 Red/Yellow/Silver suite which emphasizes checks and balances, the Green Book retains a simpler structure. The "Engineer" is not an independent certifier in the strict sense but acts as the Employer’s agent. The article notes that this speeds up decision-making but requires a high level of trust between the Employer and Contractor.
4. Payment and Valuation The article explains the flexible payment mechanisms:
5. Dispute Resolution The article praises the dispute resolution mechanism (Clause 10) for being straightforward. Instead of a Dispute Adjudication Board (DAB) or Dispute Avoidance/Adjudication Board (DAAB) found in larger contracts, the Green Book relies on:
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).
FIDIC Green Book 2017 , officially known as the Short Form of Contract
, is a streamlined alternative to the more complex FIDIC "Rainbow Suite" (Red, Yellow, and Silver books). While often referred to as the 2017 edition because it aligns with the major updates of that year, the second edition was formally launched in late 2021 to modernize the original 1999 version. FIDIC | International Federation of Consulting Engineers Core Objectives and Flexibility
The Green Book is designed for projects of relatively small value or short duration, but its 2017/2021 update significantly expands its reach. FIDIC | International Federation of Consulting Engineers Broad Application
: It is now suitable for both employer-designed and contractor-designed works. Howard Kennedy Knowledge Hub Risk Allocation
: It maintains FIDIC’s hallmark principle of balanced risk sharing while providing a more "practicable model agreement" for plant engineering and smaller infrastructure projects. FIDIC | International Federation of Consulting Engineers Fit-for-Purpose Assuming you are looking for the active FIDIC
: When a contractor takes on design responsibilities, they warrant that the work will be "fit for the purpose" defined in the contract. Howard Kennedy Knowledge Hub Key Updates and Innovations
The second edition introduced several mechanisms to bridge the gap between simple short-form contracts and full-scale international agreements: Prolongation Cost Mechanism
: A new feature for liquidated prolongation costs, though experts advise careful tailoring to ensure enforceability under specific local laws. Role of the Engineer
: The update re-introduces more structured management roles, similar to the "Blue Book" (Dredging and Reclamation), to improve project oversight. IADC Dredging Claims and Disputes
: Like the 2017 Red and Yellow Books, it emphasizes dispute avoidance and formal adjudication processes before reaching arbitration. ResearchGate Critical Considerations for Practitioners
While the Green Book is "user-friendly," it is not a "one size fits all" solution. New updated FIDIC Green Book short form contract launched
This guide covers its purpose, structure, key clauses, differences from other FIDIC books, risks, and practical use.
The Green Book requires written notices for almost every key action. Handshake deals are not contracts. Use the PDF to create a "notice log" template.
Unlike longer FIDIC forms (Red, Yellow, Silver Books), the Green Book is short (typically 15-20 pages of general conditions) and uses plain English.
| Feature | Description | |---------|-------------| | Contract Structure | 15 clauses (compared to 21 in other 2017 FIDIC books) | | Payment | Lump sum or measured quantities (no detailed BOQ required) | | Time | Simple time extension and delay provisions | | Engineer | Role is simplified; can be an individual or a firm | | Dispute Resolution | DAAB (Dispute Avoidance/Adjudication Board) is optional for larger projects; otherwise, adjudication or arbitration is simpler | | Risk Allocation | Balanced – avoids the harsh risk transfer of the Silver Book |
| Aspect | 1999 (1st Ed.) | 2017 (2nd Ed.) | |--------|----------------|----------------| | Dispute resolution | "Adjudication by a single person" | Optional DAAB or simpler adjudication | | Employer’s claims | Minimal detail | Structured, time-bar notice provisions | | Payment terms | Very basic | More defined (interim payments) | | Extensions of time | Short | Better aligned with other 2017 FIDIC books | | Termination | Undeveloped | Clearer suspension and termination rights |
Verdict: If you find a PDF claiming to be "FIDIC Green Book," always check the copyright page for 2017 (Second Edition). Many old 1999 PDFs still circulate.
The Green Book assumes an "Engineer" exists to supervise the work. If the project is too small for a full-time engineer, name a qualified independent person or even the Employer (with careful drafting in the Special Provisions).