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Another technical aspect of the NAHB program is the National Green Building Standard which is waiting ANSI approval (see "Defining Green Building" sidebar on page 42).

The second component is education, including training, conferences as well as other educational tools available on the NAHB website (www.NAHBgreen.org).

A major education aspect for NAHB is its Certified Green Professional Designation. This certification comes from taking a couple courses - which are taught both locally and at national shows - signing a code of ethics, and earning continuing education credits. English says NAHB has certified 702 green building professionals since the program started in February.

English says after contractors earn their diplomas, NAHB provides them with logos to use for advertising as well as an imprint for business cards. "We also have a searchable directory of certified green professionals online, for those looking for an expert in green," English says.

The final component of the program is networking. "Builders can talk to each other and share information and materials," English says.