CHANDLER, Ariz. - Comfort Systems USA Southwest, Chandler, Ariz., was named a Certified Green Contractor by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). ABC’s Green Contractor Certification program recognizes construction companies that implement green practices and principles in the workplace, including their headquarters, branch offices, and jobsite office complexes. To achieve certification from ABC’s National Green Building Committee, Comfort Systems USA Southwest submitted an application detailing its green efforts and underwent a third-party onsite assessment.

“ABC members have been on the forefront of the green building movement since its inception, but ABC also believes in stretching green achievements beyond the construction process and into the workplace,” said W. Brewster Earle, chairman of the ABC National Green Building Committee and president of Comfort Systems USA Energy Services, in Hartford, Conn. “The Certified Green Contractor program is another step in ABC’s goal to provide support and recognition for those members who are setting an example for the industry by promoting green practices within the company and those members who would like to create sustainability in the workplace as well as in the construction practices.”

The Green Contractor Certification process involves a list of 13 prerequisites ranging from distributing documents electronically to establishing an aggressive recycling program. Companies are required to fulfill 12 of 36 elective items that include conducting a professional energy audit, water conservation efforts, and providing incentives for carpooling or using public transportation. In addition, each company must achieve four education and training benchmarks, such as instructing employees on sustainability issues and requiring at least 25 percent of their managers to receive green building awareness education.

For more information, visit www.greenconstructionatwork.com/certification.

Publication date: 02/28/2011