Fostering Green Building Practices

The 5 reasons to integrate green into your building practices.

1. Expanding your business. Today’s consumers are more aware of the conscious choices they have in order to make a difference when it comes to home improvements and energy efficiency. You want to tap into that clientele. They are also savvy of the current stimulus plan offering the 2009 tax credits for these eco-improvements to their homes. As contractors, builders, and designers, you want to communicate what your business has to offer in the way of supporting these conscious choices. Give details to your existing clients as to how your green building services correspond with the home improvements that guarantee these tax credits being offered.

2. Selling the experience of peace of mind while protecting the planet. Cultivate the clients experience as a competency every contractor, builder and designer needs to offer. Spend the time to do an energy audit of the client’s home to guide them through the inventories of their energy use, the energy losses, and the solutions to reduce utility bills. Explain to your clients the concept of the “Home Envelope” and how improvements of sealing and insulating can save them up to 20% on heating and cooling cost. This begins to speak to your company’s social responsibility. A motivating by-product of fostering your green building practices is the fact that employees will also benefit from the satisfaction that comes from their time spent working for a company that’s mindfully contributing to protecting the planet.

3. Staying ahead of the competition. Continuing professional development to foster your companies green building practices can put your business on the leading edge. Look for certifications in residential green building to further your team’s knowledge. It is imperative to listen and speak your new customer’s language. Gain in-depth knowledge of your clients needs, the new green building technologies and the innovative green products available. This in turn will build the clients trust and confidence in your services. When you integrate green alternatives as services offered, you will differentiate your business from your competition.

4. Join Green Building Associations. Building your credentials within the community is easy when you join a Green Building Association in your area. It’s all about networking. Getting involved in your community this way builds consumer awareness. Some memberships grant your business access to the latest building science discussions, new regulations/codes, green building techniques, and business management. The education and the resources available to your business are worth the membership fees. Additional benefits to joining these associations may include the use of the building association’s logo on your web site or company’s marketing materials which help distinguish your business from the competition.

5. Become an “Environmental Business Leader”. New business models in the green building industry require a new breed of “Environmental Business Leaders”. Ones that can consciously re-invent themselves while being authentic about their sustainability efforts with detailed goals of helping their clients. As contractors, builders, and designers begin to demonstrate the known impacts of green building, they become a template for other business owners who are interested in raising their level of integrity and social responsibility. Social + environmental + economic = triple bottom line

Emerging into the new green economy can be a life changing experience. Take advantage of the opportunities to re-invent yourself and improve your business model. Who knew the work you do could save the planet!



Jennifer Blair
VP of Marketing and Business Development
www.greenbuilding.com
jennifer@greenbuilding.com