3 Steps To Selecting a Green Builder
Finding a knowledgeable Green Builder can be challenging. While the concept is gaining notice with consumers, builders are slow to learn the new green building techniques. Here are three steps to finding a qualified Green Builder.
Contact your regional USGBC office The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the nation’s Green Building coalition covering every sector of the building industry. With 7,500 members and 75 regional chapters, USGBC provides resources for the green consumer. Visit the The U.S. Green Building Council website for more information, contact them for builders and architects in your area.
Interview certified green builders Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the ranking system by USGBC. To earn certification a builder must submit projects which are judged on prerequisites and performance benchmarks, or credits. Builders are awarded Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum certification depending on the number of credits they achieve. Be sure your builder has LEED certification.
Ask to see green projects Find out the quality of your builders by visiting past and present projects. Speak with the homeowners if you can. The NAHB also publishes a Green Homebuilding Guidelines PDF, free of charge. Use this as a reference.
