ABC - ABC Launches Green Contractor Certification Program

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ABC LAUNCHES GREEN CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (10/17/2008)

Contact:  Gail Raiman, (703) 812-2073                For Immediate Release
              Gerry Fritz, (703) 812-2062                 October 7, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today launched a pilot Green Contractor Certification program for member companies in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region. The Green Contractor Certification program is designed to recognize construction companies that implement green practices and principals at their workplace environments, including their headquarters, branch offices and jobsite offices.

To achieve Green Contractor Certification under the pilot program, companies from three ABC chapters – Baltimore Metro, Virginia and Metro Washington – must complete an application, undergo an onsite audit by ABC officials and be certified by ABC’s National Green Building Committee. The Green Contractor Certification program is expected to be unveiled at the national level in early 2009. At that time the onsite audits and certifications will be conducted and validated by an independent third party.

“The ABC Green Contractor Certification program demonstrates that our members are leading the construction community by establishing a sustainable workplace environment – both on and off the jobsite,” said Brewster Earle, ABC National Green Building Committee chairman. “We hope the certification program becomes the industry standard and is recognized by our customers and the general public.”

The Green Contractor Certification process involves a list of 12 prerequisites ranging from distributing documents electronically to establishing an aggressive recycling program. Companies also are required to fulfill 12 of 36 elective items that include conducting a professional energy audit, water conservation efforts, and providing incentives for carpooling or using public transportation. In addition, each company must achieve four education and training benchmarks, such as instructing employees on sustainable issues and requiring at least 50 percent of managers to receive green building awareness education.