More than 1,000 builders, remodelers and other members of the home building industry have earned the Certified Green Professional {CGP} educational designation since it was introduced early this year by the National Association of Home Builders {NAHB}.
 
“I congratulate these green building leaders. They have demonstrated a clear commitment to education and professionalism to earn this designation,” said NAHB President Sandy Dunn, a home builder in Point Pleasant, W. Va.
 
“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,” Dunn said. “Nevertheless, this is phenomenal growth. The home building industry clearly sees the value of this designation and consumers will, as well.”
 
Home owners and home buyers can visit the NAHB Web site state-by-state list at www.nahb.org/builderremodelerdirectory and click on CGP to find a professional with that designation.
 
Certified Green Professionals must complete 24 hours of classroom training including 16 hours of green building instruction; must have two years’ industry experience, must sign a code of ethics and must commit to fulfilling continuing education requirements to qualify for the designation.
 
Most classes are available through state and local home building industry associations, NAHB conferences and other events. In fact, 53 “Green Building for Building Professionals” two-day classes are already scheduled for the next eight months, with more classes added weekly.
 
The educational designation is an important part of the new NAHB National Green Building Program, introduced in February. This voluntary, industry-wide program for residential construction also includes an online home scoring tool at www.nahbgreen.org.
 
“Home owners and home buyers are demanding more green products and features in their homes, and the building industry wants to meet that demand. That’s how this market works,” said Dunn. “The CGP designation is a sign of professional commitment. These 1,000 are ready, and I can guarantee there are hundreds more just waiting to join their ranks.”

www.nahb.org/news_details.aspx?newsID=7669