Jan 31 2008
As members of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) prepare for the launch of the NAHB National Green Building Program, they're planning on getting educated - in droves.
Those attending the International Builders' Show (IBS) in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 13-16 have been filling their online show planners with educational seminars on all things green - from marketing sessions to technical presentations to courses needed to meet the requirements for earning the new Certified Green Professional[tm] designation.
"NAHB has been preparing its members for the day that green building takes center stage in the marketplace," said association president Brian Catalde, a home builder in Southern California. "That day is almost here, and our builders are getting ready."
Six of the 10 most popular education sessions so far are devoted to green issues as attendees continue to sign up for an introduction to the NAHB National Green Building Program, sessions on sustainable architecture and even "Green Building 101."
Those courses are among two dozen green-themed educational events at the Builders' Show. Most will occur on Thursday, Feb. 14, which NAHB has declared as Green Day. On Green Day, the association will celebrate the launch of the new National Green Building program and the Certified Green professional designation. It also will encourage attendance at the 10th annual NAHB National Green Building Conference which will be held in New Orleans from May 11-13.
Show attendees can try out the key feature of the NAHB National Green Building Program, an interactive green scoring tool, at www.nahbgreen.org. With this dynamic, easy-to-use resource as well as other tools and educational materials for builders and buyers, the NAHB National Green Building Program will allow all builders everywhere to build a green home.
The NAHB Green Day celebration is sponsored by Whirlpool, Kohler, the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, and Marvin Windows and Doors. At last count, more than 170 companies had added their products and services to the "green" category for IBS exhibitors.
Last year, the International Builders' Show attracted more than 100,000 attendees during four days of seminars and other special presentations. They walked 11 miles of aisles through two million square feet of gross exhibit space, enough to cover 35 football fields. More than 1,900 exhibitors displayed the latest in housing products and services.
"The combination of all these green launches and initiatives is quite exciting for all of us," Catalde said. "I look forward to celebrating on Green Day with all of our green builders, remodelers and suppliers -- in only two weeks."