In recent years, there has been a major push for a green contractor in many industries, and for good reason. Buildings, including their construction, account for 40% of total energy consumption in the country and 39% of carbon dioxide emissions in the world annually. The changes in building code requirements aim to eliminate the negative effects that buildings have on the environment. More than this, green contractor seeks to implement sustainability and energy conservation in order to have a positive impact on the environment.Â
If you are among the many who want to contribute to this growing movement, you need to look at green construction contractors who can help make your vision a reality. However, looking for a good contractor is a daunting task. Even more so if you want the additional expertise in green construction. To help you, here are some of the ways you can screen green construction contractors.Â
1. Check the contractor’s previous work.Â
It goes without saying that you need to check a contractor’s previous work to get a gauge of their ability. However, it is doubly important to check a green construction contractor’s previous work.Â
Green construction is becoming more mainstream nowadays, making it a viable marketing strategy. While advertising green practices is not a bad thing to do. Not doing anything eco-friendly to support the marketing claim is straight-up unethical. So make sure you check with past clients or examine a contractor’s portfolio. See if they do follow green practices in their work. In addition, check online reviews. Be wary of a pattern of bad reviews, such as payment issues and unsatisfactory work.Â
2. Inquire if they are updated with the latest green techniques.
While a green certification is a good indicator of a contractor’s expertise in eco-friendly practices, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are updated with the latest green construction practices and techniques. Asking about when they last attended a conference or class in green construction is a good way to screen potential contractors.Â
New green construction techniques are being developed each year. You will know how committed a contractor is to green construction through their willingness to acquire updated knowledge and perfect their craft.
3. Discuss their green contractor solutions for the project.
There are many approaches a contractor can take towards making a home or commercial building eco-friendly. However, just setting a couple of eco-friendly components and seeing what sticks is not a good way to tackle a construction project. A good green construction contractor will consider the bigger picture. They should be able to identify areas of the structure that can take full advantage of an eco-friendly installation and give specifics on how individual components can work together.Â
All buildings, be they residential or commercial, have their own footprint that leaves a mark on the environment. We all have a responsibility to minimize that footprint and create a positive impact on the world. Looking for a qualified green construction contractor to help you can be a daunting task, but it is a small price to pay for the sake of the environment.Â
About the Author:
Chris Woodard is the Co-Founder of Handle.com, where they build software that helps contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers with late payments. Handle.com also provides funding for construction businesses in the form of invoice factoring, material supply trade credit, and mechanics lien purchasing.
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