The growing attention to green buildings seems to be chasing
me.
The first time I immersed myself in the technology was at a
United States Green Building Council seminar probably four or five years ago.
It was in downtown Chicago and it was quick train ride from my office into the
city. Chicago is a city where a lot of green initiatives have been underway,
from grassy areas atop commercial buildings to residential rehabs filled with
energy-efficiency innovations.
When I moved some 80 miles northwest of Chicago three years
ago, those initiatives were not as extensive here, aside from some geothermal
projects and a wind turbine or two.
But now the Chicago Chapter of USGBC has established a
Northern Illinois Branch, which is drawing attention to a growing number of
projects in the area.
The Chicago Chapter is planning a name change to Illinois
Chapter to reflect its reach throughout the state with its various branches. In
fact, throughout the United States there are now more than 80 USGBC chapters
and affiliates.
Part of USGBC is its Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. HVACR contractors should find more
and more buildings focused on seeking LEED recognition. If they are not nearby
just yet, they soon will be.
For many contractors to be part of a LEED registered project
means a bit of a learning curve. But it is worth getting involved in that
learning.