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Green buildings! Green houses! Green hospitals! It seems like everything is going green without having any connection to the Irish! Well, building "green" has become a 21st century requirement for many industries. It only seemed right that in time the green phenomenon would invade the contractor.

With more and more clients considering their green options in every facet of their lives, it would be beneficial for you to incorporate a few of the following "green" initiatives into your company to show your clients that you're not only considerate of Mother Nature, but considerate of your customers, too.

1. 'Green' equipment and vehicles. This requires you to ensure that all of your powered equipment is tuned, burning fuels as clean as possible and meeting all local or national standards. Not only does this effort help you to minimize any more pollutants than necessary, it also makes financial sense. Poorly running equipment due to little to no regular maintenance normally leads to excessive costs.

2. Clean means 'green.' There is nothing more upsetting to customers than to see dirty trucks hauling even dirtier trailers while sending a never-ending supply of black smoke out its exhaust. Certainly dirty vehicles due to oil and grease leaks do eventually drop onto the ground or pavement. While the actual damage done to our environment might be over-exaggerated, the appearance nonetheless sends a less than clean and quality signal to our customers.

3. Organize storage vehicles and work sites. All tools and equipment should be organized when in storage or on a jobsite. Not only does this send a signal to customers that your company is "neat" and quality based, it also drives greater respect among your workers to handle your tools and equipment with greater respect and care.