Green building is the way of the future for commercial and residential building. Education about how much money (and resource) that may be saved through energy efficiency and renewable energy has building owners around the world clamoring for energy upgrades on existing buildings or construction of new high-performance structures.

As a contractor, obtaining some level of green certification could make all the difference in a recession-weary building industry. Demand is way up for green building; spurred by government incentives, efficient materials and appliances, as well as increased awareness of long-term savings and environmental impact.

Understanding those factors and all the products and practices that go along with green building is key to winning today’s clients’ trust and signature. Proving that you have such knowledge and expertise only makes lead generation and confirmation that much easier. There are several ways to become a green certified contractor; some are nationally recognized, some vary by state or region.

Following are a few examples of how you can become a green certified professional:

LEED certification

The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program has become the number one standard for modern, green home design. Typically, LEED is referred to as a ratings system for sustainable buildings. At the same time, the USGBC also offers accreditation for contractors. (more…)