Builders Line Up for 'Certified Green Professional' Designation

Less than five months after its introduction, nearly 800 builders, remodelers and other industry professionals have earned the Certified Green Professional designation from NAHB.

The rush to achieve the new educational designation is another sign that NAHB members continue to lead the home building industry toward resource-efficient home building, said NAHB President Sandy Dunn.

"Our clients — both new home buyers and home owners interested in a renovated kitchen or similar projects — are much more concerned about energy efficiency and utility bills this year, and that's driving even more interest in green building techniques," Dunn said.

The Certified Green Professional designation is issued by the NAHB University of Housing, the educational arm of the association. The designation is part of the NAHB National Green Building Program, which also includes a green home rating system and scoring tool.

The program is designed for all home building industry professionals, from builders and remodelers to real estate agents, designers and marketers, and is open to non-NAHB members as well.

Earning the designation requires completing a 16-hour Green Building for Building Professionals class and eight hours of business management instruction and a minimum of two years of industry experience. Designees also must adhere to a prescribed code of ethics.

South Carolina currently has 41 Certified Green Professional designation holders. Anyone who wishes to get their CGP designation will have plenty of opportunities in the Palmetto State. The HBA of South Carolina, Charleston-Trident HBA, and Horry-Georgetown HBA will host either one or both required courses in the near future.

Consumers can use the "Find a Builder or Remodeler" search engine at www.nahb.org to locate a local Certified Green Professional, or they can click here.

Educational specialists are continually working on refinements to the Green Building for Building Professionals class content. "Green building is very dynamic, reflecting new technologies and the growing experience of many of our members," Dunn noted. "NAHB is keeping on top of these changes."

Green builder volunteers also are working with the University of Housing on a curriculum for a new Master Certified Green Professional designation. Scheduled to be introduced next year, The Master designation will focus on technical and building science issues and is intended for home builders and remodelers.

For more information, e-mail Calli Schmidt at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8132.