Contractors Look to LEED Certification for Future Business

As more large-scale builders begin implementing sustainable practices into their projects, the need for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified professionals will increase as well.

Of the 160 LEED Accredited Professionals certified in Arkansas, only about 10 work for general contractors, said Damon Dux, project manager and estimator for SSI Inc. of Northwest Arkansas in Springdale.

Dux became a LEED AP in November. SSI is the contractor for Southwestern Electric Power Company’s new $2.2 million service center in Rogers, which will join the ranks of LEED buildings in the state.

LEED certification is earned when a building meets certain efficiency requirements determined by the United States Green Building Council. There are four levels of certification: platinum, gold, silver and certified.

The new SWEPCO service center will be built to the level of silver.

LEED AP is earned when an individual passes a test on a myriad of issues related to LEED building practices. This is usually someone in either the architecture, design or construction industry, although the test is open to anyone.

Many of the state’s architecture and engineering firms have a LEED AP on staff, said Randy Martinsen, administrator of the Arkansas chapter of the USGBC.

“And contractors would be smart to follow suit,” he said.

Having a LEED AP on staff will help general contractors anticipate the wants and needs of architects and clients, and know what they are talking about in terms of sustainable building practices and design, he said.

Though most of those becoming certified are architects and engineers, Martinsen knew of one woman who was a CFO with a construction company who took the test because she wanted to know more about LEED standards for when she prepares bid specs.

Nabholz Construction Corp. is definitely in the business of building green.

The company was the general contractor for the LEED gold-certified headquarters for Winrock International in Little Rock.

“At Nabholz, we really believe the future of building will be in the green arena, whether it’s certification or just trying to do better,” said Mary Laurie, director of sustainable initiatives.

The company is confident enough in the bright future of green building that it created a position to address sustainable practices.

“We are taking a closer look at what we’ve learned on the job and are applying those practices to our facilities and the way we operate,” Laurie said.

Nabholz also provides support for those in the company who are preparing to take the LEED AP test. That’s a group that includes Laurie.

Those who have passed the test compile information and feedback to provide for others, and the company debriefs those who’ve taken the test each month, she said.

All that help will likely come in handy.

“It’s a pretty rigorous exam,” said Dux, who studied four months for the two-hour test. “It’s not easy to pass.”

The price for the test and all related materials and guides is $800.

It is administered at Prometric testing centers in Fort Smith, Little Rock and Arkadelphia.

More than 43,000 people have taken the test since it was implemented in 2001, according to the USGBC.