I have spent the last 20 years in the home building industry. I have seen many changes in that time, but the biggest and fastest growing change is the increasing demand for
. For years many builders, sub contractors, suppliers and manufacturers have said this is a phase that would die out. But I don’t think that is going to happen. The certification of LEED AP and NAHB Certified Green Professionals is growing very rapidly. This increase is showing that more people in the home building industry are taking Green Building more serious. The real estate industry is even moving to Green with their Ecobroker designation.
Well you may ask “What is a Certified Green Professional?”
The description from the National Association of Home Builder, which certifies and administers the designation, states: “The Certified Green professional in an exclusive designation offered by the National Association of Home Builders, designed to teach building industry professionals strategies for incorporating building principles into homes using cost-effective and affordable options. Requirements include: 24 hours of classroom instruction, industry experience and adherence to the CGP Code of Ethics. To maintain CGP status, designees are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education every three years.”
The CGP initial training helps the designee to choose products and practices for greater energy efficiency, a better understanding of indoor and outdoor water conservation practices and preserving indoor environmental quality. This training also helps the designee to understand sustainable building practices and products, along with a full understanding the certification process and benchmarks of the Green Building Program. A CGP is dedicated to the practices of green building and trained to deliver it in a way that best suits your needs. The CGP will be able to explain the hows and whys of green building and help educate you on which features are appropriate for your project.
I have always had an interest in green building and have studied for years on different products and practices. I work in the supply side of the home building industry, so I had more interest in the products and have tried to educate myself on which products are best and how they fit into a green project. This lead to my blog called Green Building Ideas.
So recently I decided to become a CGP. I was impressed with the CGP course and did learn some great things. I am also a member of the local home builders association and have been amazed at the interest that these home builders have in Green Building.
I see LEED becoming the standard Green Certification for commercial construction and the NAHB’s Green Building Program becoming the standard for residential construction.
