Gain a Green Edge

Becoming a Green Certified Contractor is not only good for the planet, but good for business.

The construction industry is a major world player when it comes to the effects we have on the world around us. Recently, the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative estimated that the construction trades contribute as much as 30% of all global greenhouse gas emissions and consumes up to 40% of all energy used worldwide. Wow.

Generally speaking though, many contractors aren’t concerned with helping the environment through their construction practices unless it’s going to help their business too. If that sounds like a familiar sentiment, now is a great time to hop on the sustainable construction train.

Every year, more and more construction companies are opting to include green buildings in their portfolios. Speaking in numbers, this translates into a $120-$145 billion opportunity in 2015 for new nonresidential construction, and the sector continues to grow.

We want you to have a piece of that pie and, unlike some industries, the green building pie is just going to get bigger.

“Naturally, contractors who want to expand into green building are often faced with the question of whether they should acquire a relevant set of credentials,” says Todd Bryant of Bryant Surety Bonds. “Such credentials, such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 'Green Associate' or 'Accredited Professional' or the 'Certified Green Contractor' by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) provide valuable and in-depth understanding, as well as assurance to clients.”

This assurance to clients can provide more opportunities for work. As both federal and public construction projects are increasingly being outfitted to match the latest sustainability criteria, green certifications provide your company with a competitive advantage and distinction in a competitive marketplace. Contractors who wish to acquire greater credibility and legitimacy, as well as open the doors to projects with stricter requirements, should acquire LEED or similar credentials now to give themselves a green edge.

As more and more construction companies are entering the field of green building, those who have had an early start, and have acquired deep understanding in certain sustainable construction methodologies over time, are likely to gain more ground. Taking courses and becoming certified will help you stay up to date and offer your clients the latest in green building methods.

Interested in learning more? Turn to the Educational Resource section of this issue and see how companies like yours can take steps to become a Green Certified Contractor through ABC. You’ll see that the featured contractor, Robins & Morton, is not just helping the environment by obtaining this certification, but the program is good for their bottom line too.

Need help getting started? Let me know at [email protected] and we’ll gear editorial to your needs. 

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