ROCKVILLE, Md. - Two more contractor members of the Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA) have been awarded MSCA GreenStar designation: Hurst Mechanical of Belmont, Mich., and T.H. Eifert Mechanical Contractors of Lansing, Mich., joining W.E. Bowers of Beltsville, Md., which was named the first MSCA GreenStar on July 31.

The companies earned GreenStar distinction by successfully demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship throughout their entire organization and meeting a number of other requirements. According to MSCA, the GreenStar designation is evidence that they possess the skills and expertise necessary to deliver energy-efficient, cost-effective indoor environmental solutions to meet customers’ needs and ensure tenant safety, health, and comfort.

“T.H. Eifert Plumbing and Heating and Hurst Mechanical join W.E. Bowers as great examples of forward-thinking stewards of the environment,” said MSCA Executive Director Barbara Dolim. “We are so proud that our members are on the forefront of this green movement and understand the importance of environmental responsibility.”

Established in 1975, as T.H. Eifert Plumbing and Heating, T.H. Eifert Mechanical Contractors is a woman-owned business. The company became an MSCA STAR in January 2005.

Hurst Mechanical became an MSCA STAR in August 2004. MSCA Board of Managers Chairman Russ Borst is vice president of service at the company. “Being a GreenStar is a natural progression for us,” Borst said. “We have been seeking ways to be leaders in sustainability from the beginning. GreenStar status is evidence to our customers that we are experts.”

To qualify for MSCA GreenStar, a contractor must first qualify as an MSCA STAR contractor. MSCA STAR is a qualification program recognizing contractors who meet or exceed rigorous operating and training standards set by MSCA. In addition, to become a GreenStar, a contractor must meet the following criteria: employ at least one LEED Accredited Professional; be a member of the USGBC - either with a local chapter or the national organization; verify that at least 25 percent of their total employees have participated in a green training or education program; demonstrate that they promote environmental responsibility by offering specific sustainable services and recommending green procedures and equipment; establish an internal commitment to green by attaining LEED certification, of any type, for their building, or by developing an internal “green policy”; and have participated as part of a project team with a LEED EB or LEED NC registered project within the past three years.

GreenStar applications are reviewed and approved by a third-party independent company.

For more information about the MSCA GreenStar, visit www.mscastar.org/greenstar, or contact Barbara Dolim at bdolim@mcaa.org or 301-869-5800.

Publication date: 08/25/2008