Associated Builders and Contractors received a $50,000 grant from the Atlanta-based Turner Foundation Inc., founded by Ted Turner. This is the third consecutive year ABC has received the grant, which will be used to support the association’s green building initiatives with a focus on expanding its green certification and training programs.

“ABC is pleased the Turner Foundation has chosen to support our green building training programs and sustainable initiatives for a third year,” said ABC President and CEO Mike Bellaman. “This funding will allow ABC and merit shop contractors to continue leading the construction industry by educating our members on utilizing green construction practices and sustainable construction methods on the jobsite.”

ABC said the first Turner Foundation grant allowed the organization to develop its green building “Toolbox Talks” program, which includes 15- 20-minute training sessions to educate employees on green construction practices and enhance their jobsite training as well as develop online “train the trainer” modules. In 2011, ABC used its second grant to translate the Toolbox Talks and online modules into Spanish.

This year, ABC plans to expand the use of the Toolbox Talks. ABC also plans to advance the value of its green contractor certification program by developing an independent certification process in addition to producing case studies on benefits, efficiency and cost savings; improving assessor selection and timing of reviews; and improving outreach to construction owners and users regarding the benefits of hiring ABC-certified green contractors. In addition, the grant will be used to develop education and training tools to increase member awareness about the new International Green Construction Code and its impact on contractors and their construction practices.