As green building becomes more popular, homeowners and buyers will look for contractors and real estate professionals who are qualified to provide green building services.
A new professional designation program from the National Association of Home Builders provides homebuyers with additional assurance that the builder they’ve chosen is authentically “green.” The Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation recognizes builders, remodelers and other industry professionals who understand how to incorporate green building principles into homes and provide green-building expertise for consumers. The designation is part of the NAHB National Green Building Program, which also includes a green home verification and certification service through the NAHB Research Center.
To qualify for the designation, applicants must complete 24 hours of green building and business management instruction, have two years of industry experience, commit to continuing education requirements and sign the CGP Code of Ethics. This designation is available to individuals only; it does not apply to companies or to specific homes or projects.
Subjects covered in the training include how green homes provide buyers with lower energy costs and higher value, including fewer maintenance needs and better indoor air quality. In addition, discussion focuses on strategies for incorporating green-building principles into homes without driving up the cost of construction.
The Triad Green Building Council took the initiative in hosting a CGP certification course this past July at Alamance Community College. The council will hold another CGP course Feb. 1-2 in conjunction with the Southern Building Material Association conference in High Point. For more information and registration, visit www.greensborobuilders.org.
According to the NAHB, the Certified Green Professional program reached a milestone this month as the number of industry leaders who achieved their CGP designation grew to 1,500. It was apparently no surprise to NAHB leaders. “Of course we expected the CGP to be popular, because as green building grows many consumers are looking for a builder with real credentials in today’s market. Nevertheless, this is phenomenal growth. The homebuilding industry clearly sees the value of this designation and consumers will, as well,” Sandy Dunn, NAHB president, recently stated.
Consumers can find Certified Green Professionals in their home states by using the Builder and Remodeler Designation Directory at www.nahb.org, where they also can learn more about the building program.
In addition to finding industry professionals that are knowledgeable about various green building practices, the Triad Green Building Council is in the process of developing a Web site that will serve as an information/resource center for consumers and industry professionals. Various eco-friendly products and services will be showcased, as will homes achieving NAHB green certification. The site is scheduled to launch in mid-January.
Scott Allred is chairman of the Triad Green Building Council and owner of Precept Construction. He can be reached at scott@preceptconstruction.com or 286-6811. For additional resources on green building, visit www.preceptconstruction.com.
