NAHB’s Certified Green Professional educational program reached another milestone last week as Ralph Pagnucco Jr., a builder and remodeler in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, became the 1,500th CGP designee. The announcement was made by Ray Tonjes, chair of the NAHB Green Building Subcommittee.

The designation program recognizes builders, remodelers and other industry professionals who are able to incorporate green building principles into homes and provide green-building expertise for consumers.

The designation is part of the NAHB National Green Building Program, which includes a green home verification and certification service through the NAHB Research Center. So far, 69 homes have received National Green Building Certification and another 160 are awaiting inspection.

To qualify for the individual designation, applicants must complete 24 hours of instruction in green building and business management, have two years of industry experience, commit to continuing education requirements and sign the CGP code of ethics.

“The CGP designation helps assure home buyers that their builder or remodeler can help them negotiate the path to a green-built home — as green as the home buyer wants it to be,” Tonjes said. Designers, bankers, home sales agents and other industry professionals can also bring added value to their clients with the CGP designation, he said.

Pagnucco said the classes leading to the CGP designation have helped him become a better informed green builder — and to stand out from the competition. He said that he is incorporating more green remodeling practices into his business — including upgraded insulation and efficient windows and doors — and conducting cost analyses of heating and cooling equipment to help his customers determine how much money they may be able to save with a more energy-efficient unit.

Pagnucco’s company is submiting its first new single-family home for green certification from Green Built Michigan, an affiliate of the NAHB National Green Building Program. All of the company’s homes will be green-certified from now on, Pagnucco said.

“We’re trying to be the best green builders we can be,” he said.

Consumers can click here to find Certified Green Professionals in their home states by using the Builder and Remodeler Designation Directory.

To learn more about the NAHB National Green Building Program, click here. (nahbgreen.org).

The Future of Residential Construction Is Green

The Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation teaches builders, remodelers and other industry professionals techniques for incorporating green building principles into homes using cost-effective and affordable options.

Earning the CGP demonstrates to clients and peers your commitment to the best and latest in green building practices and techniques. More than 1,000 people have earned the CGPdesignation to date.

For more information, visit www.nahb.org/CGPinfo.

Attend the National Green Building Conference in Dallas

Attend the 2009 National Green Building Conference in Dallas on May 10-13 to learn more about the critical paths to green building, and to participate in interactive sessions and be part of the driving force for the green building and remodeling markets.

For more information and to sign up to be notified when registration opens, visit www.nahb.org/GreenBuildingConference.