NARI, which is the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, has a program in which remodeling professionals who have experience with and a tendency toward improving homes with an eco-consciousness can attain the designation of Green Certified Professional (GCP).
The goal of the GCP program is:
- To create a knowledge base for all remodeling professionals, helping them understand key green concepts and how to incorporate them into building projects.
- To encourage professional growth in the field of green remodeling.
- To help professionals better serve the public by encouraging homeowners to accept more eco-friendly changes into their remodeling projects.
In order to qualify for the GCP program, a remodeling professional must have at least five years of experience in the remodeling industry, currently work in a company that is engaged in commercial or residential green remodeling, completed at least 16 hours of educative instruction focused on green building, and sign NARI’s Code of Ethics. And, of course, pass the GCP exam.
The exam administered covers a wide array of green building topics, including indoor air quality, building science, deconstruction v. demolition, foundations and framing, and renewable energy.
While this is all fine and good, what does this mean for the homeowner? Not a lot. This is really just NARI’s answer to keeping up with the USGBC. Both organizations are trying to encourage more environmentally friendly choices among the building industry and homeowners. Finding a good contractor can be difficult, especially if you have no experience with the industry. In that case, being able to find a qualified GCP in NARI’s database can be helpful, but you should still be wary of building professionals you’re not familiar with. Always ask for references and written estimates.
One nice benefit to the homeowner is that in order for a remodeling professional to sustain their GCP status, they must renew their credential every year with 10 hours of continuing education on the topic of green or sustainable building. This means that GCPs will typically be on top of any new green practices or products that are newly developed and how to implement them in your home improvement project.