The NAHB Education Committee is studying the proposed designation, which will likely be based on the existing "Green Building for Building Professionals" two-day course and other requirements.

If approved, the designation will coincide with the launch of the NAHB National Green Building Program, which is set to be unveiled at the International Builders' Show in February.

"With the growth of the green building movement and its newness to our industry, educating builders and buyers will be extremely important to the success of the National Green Building Program," said Construction, Codes and Standards Committee Chair Eric Borsting.

 “Green Building for Building Professionals” has completed by 470 students in HBAs all over the country, and 13 more classes are scheduled between September and February.

Cathie Williams, CGB, GMB, CAPS, of CC Williams Construction Co. in Texas, just attended the two-day class and praised the content — and instructor Michael Strong of Brothers Strong, a Houston green building and remodeling company.

"Some of the value engineering information I had not thought about — like stud placements," which can be successfully refigured to use less wood and other resources, she said. 

The networking is also important, Williams said.  Attendees shared their knowledge of green product suppliers and manufacturers that she'll put to good use. "Getting someone who can help you find things is great," she said.

Strong also emphasized the importance of homeowner education, one of the seven tenents of the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines. That's important especially in one subdivision where Williams builds — a 55-plus community where home buyers can get "a little hardheaded and set in their ways," she laughed.