Becoming a Green:
Remodeler

1. Obtain industry specific 'Green' credentials, which demonstrate your training in environmentally preferable building and remodeling practices. Excellent references for such practices are the Home Remodeling Green Building Guidelines and New Home Construction Green Building Guidelines. You can find these publications at www.builditgreen.org.
Green Business certification requires licensed contractors and architects to have one of these credentials:
• Certified Green Building Professional or Green Points Rater, Build It Green, www.builditgreen.org
• Green Building Professional Certificate Program, Sonoma State University, www.sonoma.edu/ensp
• LEED Accredited Professional, U.S. Green Building Council, www.leedbuilding.org
• HERS (Home Energy Rating Services) Certification from either:
• California Building Contractors Association (CBPCA), www.cbpca.org
• CalCERTS, www.calcerts.com
• California Home Energy Efficiency Rating Services (CHEERS), www.cheers.org

2. Incorporate wording into your company's mission statement, materials and project estimates that conveys your company's commitment to being green.

3. Offer clients 'green' building and materials options - promote these options to all clients.

4. Encourage clients to leave in place as many building components and fixtures as possible (such as high quality surfaces and bath fixtures).


5. Make energy efficiency a top priority in design, materials and equipment.
For example:

• Upgrade wall and ceiling insulation to exceed Title 24 requirements.

6. Design/specify renewable energy sources such as solar electric systems.


7. Use/specify 'green' materials. For example:


• Durable flooring that wears well and does not require rapid replacement
• FSC certified woods

8. Protect the health of building occupants.
Use low VOC and formaldehyde free building components. For example:

• Substitute standard particleboard with formaldehyde-free alternative materials for panels, millwork and cabinetry.
• Use low- or no-VOC paints.

9. Design and build for water conservation.
For example:

• Water catchment basin to collect water for landscape irrigation.
• Pre-plumb for grey-water system.

10. Conserve materials through reuse and recycling.
For example:

• Use aluminum scaffolding instead of site-built wooden scaffolding.
• Outsource materials for reuse by others, or use materials salvaged from others.