Built Green: Becoming a Licensed Built Green & R-2000 Builder / Renovator

Posted on July 20th, 2010

Built Green

On July 15 & 16, 2010, Eric Schapira, Chief Relationship Builder at Klondike Contracting, attended a Built Green Workshop to attain his certification as a licensed Built Green & R-2000 Builder / Renovator.

What is Built Green: It is a voluntary program that home buyers and industry professionals join to learn green building practices to reduce the impact that building has on both, the natural and built environment.

Why get certified: With the ‘green’ ethos becoming more prevalent in everyday building projects, having a Built Green & R-2000 Builder license demonstrates to the client your dedication to environmental stewardship and suggests that your building practices evolve as new techniques and technologies are developed and used.  Many clients are educating themselves about eco-friendly products and building practices, they expect that you as their builder will have the knowledge to guide these innovative approaches.

The exam: No, it’s not as simple as just attending a workshop, there is an exam that is based on the R-2000 builder training curriculum.  However, the material covered is relevant and industry related so your experience and common sense can be of great help.  Eric felt that his experience in going for LEED certification on his new Showroom / Offices was incredibly valuable in understanding the key knowledge areas of the course content and exam.

How does it apply to your projects: Once you have successfully passed your Built Green & R-2000 Builder license exam, you are not required to build every project to Built Green specifications.  The criteria is there as a guide for you to use when it suits the needs of your project.  If you want your project to be certified as Built Green, it is mandatory for all Built Green criteria to be met.

Interesting Facts: Below are a few factoids Eric picked up from his two days with Built Green

  • In terms of impact on the environment, the average home impacts 10x more during its operation than during construction;
  • Houses emit 10-15 tonnes of greenhouse gases / yr v 4-6 tonnes for cars;
  • 58% of energy is consumed by Heating, 22% by HWT, 14% by Appliances, 5% lighting & 1% for cooling;
  • EnerGuide for Home – EGH or EnerGuide for New Homes (EGNH) – 2 different consultants.

Klondike Contracting will keep you posted on innovative building programs available to you.