While “green building” is by no means a new concept, it is one that has continuously increased in popularity. Green building refers to “the planning, design, construction, and operations of buildings with several central, foremost considerations: energy use, water use, indoor environmental quality, material section, and the building’s effects on its site,” according to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Central to respecting the environmental impact of both new builds and renovations to pre-existing ones is finding a green general contractor to oversee and manage your project. So, how do you find the right contractor? Discover what makes a contractor green and how to pick the right professional to go green for your next project.
What are green contractors and how to find one
Green contractors specialize in sustainability, both in terms of design and construction. There are some formal certifications that contractors can obtain, including the:
- Green Associate or Accredited Professional by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
- Certified Green Contractor by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
These certifications, however, are not a mandatory requirement, so how do you determine if the contractor you’re talking to is a green contractor?
There may not be a resource in your area for you to easily find a professional in this area, so the following are some questions, written by Ecohome, on what to ask to ensure your contractor understands green principles, including energy efficiency and sustainability:
- Do you build high-performance/energy-efficient homes?
- Do you build airtight homes?
- Do you conduct blower door tests?
- Do you do energy modeling?
- What do you do to avoid thermal bridging in walls?
- What are your preferred types of insulation?
- Which type of wall assembly do you recommend?
- What is the most important feature in a home that affects energy efficiency?
- Why do many basements smell moldy?
Their answers to the above questions will give you a strong indication of whether or not the contractor you’re speaking to has experience in green building. Moreover, contractors with experience in green building typically take pride in showing off past projects and will have references for you to contact.
What makes VersiFoam® an environmentally friendly choice
An important element of a contractor’s process is choosing the right materials to complete the project at hand. VersiFoam® provides a unique solution for green contractors, as all of the different spray foam insulation kits we offer are energy efficient and LEED-certified.
Due to unique SPF insulation technology, you’re able to save energy and reduce the use of fossil fuels, which, in turn, helps reduce greenhouse gases. VersiFoam® spray insulation also improves air quality by preventing nearly all bacteria, toxins, mold, and asthma-threatening elements from getting into your building or home.
With our product, there is a significant reduction in wasted materials, too, thanks to our easy-to-use applicator and long-lasting strength. VersiFoam®’s applicator, the patented U-Control dispensing gun, allows you to get into every nook and cranny and prevent moisture and mold from eating away at your house or commercial building.
Did you know you can get a tax credit for using VersiFoam? Learn how to qualify and let us help you get set up for your next project. Contact us today!
