As an HVACR contractor, you are crazy if you do not set foot in the green building movement. There are many, many outlets to become educated on the subject. You can start with two sources: Ferris State University (FSU) and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA).

When it comes to the green building movement, MCAA is all business. It put together a series of live green building webinars, all designed to help members compete in this expanding market. A copy of each presentation will be archived for viewing after the presentation at MCAA’s green building Website, www.greencontractors.us. The first webinar – “Commissioning” by Chuck Gaziano of McKenney’s Inc., Atlanta – is now available for download (http://mcaa.webex.com). It was first presented during the 2007 Green Opportunities Conference.

The first webinar for 2008 will take place on March 27, and will feature Jerry Yudelson of Yudelson Associates. He will lead a session during MCAA 2008 on “Branding and Positioning Your Green Building Offering.”

The association is pushing for members to become a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional (AP). In the association’s National Update newsletter, it states: “If you want your company to compete in the growing green building market, LEED AP certification is a must.”

Meanwhile, FSU is working with HVAC Excellence in putting together training modules to address the green educational needs of the industry. The first project, “Green Mechanical Awareness,” is complete, having been pilot tested at the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices annual instructors’ workshop last year and through workforce development in Louisiana. The program is designed to provide a basic understanding of green concepts, terminologies, systems, and the latest technologies. The program components include a text book, instructor’s guide, Powerpoint presentation with speaker notes, and certification exam.

The two are also working to develop additional technical training modules covering an array of green mechanical issues. The first technical module, “Combustion Analysis,” covers the maximization of furnace and boiler energy efficiency.

For additional information, contact HVAC Excellence at 800-394-5268 or FSU at 866-880-7674. Of course, if you have come across a strong source that is currently helping you in your green endeavors, post your information accordingly. I’d love to hear from you.