Is Your Contractor Really Green?

These days there is a massive buzz that goes along with word green which is almost hypnotic and there are a few remodeling contractors out there who will take advantage of their customers increased environmental awareness and label themselves as a green firm without ever really believing or investing in any practices that could be considered environmentally conscious.

If you are planning a remodeling or renovation project and want to try to make it as eco-friendly as possible, how can you be sure that the contractor you are hiring actually really feels the same way? A good way to start is by asking a few simple questions before you hire the company you are considering.

Is the company a certified green business?  – Any company can create a new logo or add the word green (or something like it) to their business cards to attract a few extra customers or justify higher rates and fees. Companies that volunteer to obtain actual green certifications however must comply with a strict set of standards and regulations and invest money into the retraining of their staff in environmentally friendly building and remodeling practices.

These companies will almost certainly be listed with a relevant certification board, on either a national or a local level. If your potential remodeler claims certification, verify that their company name is actually listed with the organizations they claim to be accredited by.

Does the remodeling company actively promote green building products and businesses? – A green contractor will always encourage their clients towards implementing things like keeping waste to a minimum and recycling whenever possible. They will be aware of the environmental advantages of purchasing building supplies locally and they will be educated in the use of green alternatives to standard building and decorating materials such as Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) free paints or cabinetry.

Does the company educate its customers as well as its staff? – A green contractor will usually seek to educate their clients in everyday green living practices as a matter of routine. If the contractor you are considering seems less than educated themselves in the basics of green building practices then it may be a good indication that their interest in green building is more about good marketing rather than good environmental practice.

How green the contractor you chose is may also depend very much upon the project you hire them to do. Some green contractors know how to build a passive solar house, but know nothing about reducing toxic exposure from building materials. Make sure the green contractor you choose has knowledge in the area of green building you are looking at doing.

There is no rule to say you have to hire a green contractor, and there is no current rule that states any remodeling contractor must be certified as one, although there are some new laws with which all contractors must comply. For instance, as of April 2010 anyone performing remodeling work on a home that dates from before 1978 must have undergone formal training in safe handling practices as they pertain to lead paint and received official EPA certification.

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