ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
The world is suffering from the effects of environmental degradation. Consequently, many new homeowners are looking for eco-friendly options for building homes. This is a step away from the norm for the construction industry. Here are a few things you should remember when starting a green construction business in America.
What Makes a Green Business and Why You Might Be Interested in It
The green business or sustainable business is a business venture seeking to strike a balance between profit and the ecosystem’s well-being. Companies moving in this direction should use eco-friendly materials in their production or minimize environmental degradation by reducing waste products.
Pros And Cons
Green construction businesses play a vital role in the preservation of the environment. Some of the perks that come with opening such a business include:
- • Efficient use of material to minimize or avoid waste
- • Reduced strain on locally shared resources
- • A cleaner environment
- • Tapping into a new business clientele base
- • Energy conservation through exceptional engineering
- • Reversing the impact of environmental degradation
- • Minimizing carbon print emissions through the use of green initiatives
- • Economic growth for upcoming and established green industries and companies
A few demerits come with opening a green construction business. The most significant of these include:
- • A high starting capital
- • Fluctuating energy production because of unpredictable weather
- • Unavailability of green construction material
- • A deficit in the number of experienced green construction workers
Requirements and Documentation Needed
As with any other business, you require particular documents to successfully set up a green construction business in the US. These include:
- • E-filling account
- • General contractor certification, master electrical or master plumber licenses
- • A valid insurance
- • Duly filled application form
- • The electronic copy of your certificates
- • Identification documents
- • A certificate from the US Green Building Council
- • ISO green product certification labels
- • Social security or business tax number
- • Any other relevant documents
What Should You Take into Account Before Starting a Green Business?
Before setting up your business, you may want to consider a few factors that may significantly contribute to its success. You should first get enough industry-specific certificates for more leverage and credibility and stay abreast with the latest construction laws, figure out who the target audience is and how to leverage them as well as know where to find the most reliable employees who understand the job. You also need to sign up for comprehensive insurance (considering starting a business in this niche can be costly), find the most reliable construction lawyers to help you with the legal work and comply with the tax laws for a smooth ride.
Available Industry-Recognized Sustainability Certificates
Getting certified is a way to prove your proficiency in the niche, making you more attractive to your potential clients. You also get to work as a legal green contractor in the US and receive tax incentives for choosing this path.
Most importantly, you expect more business to come your way if you’re certified because green buildings sell faster than regular ones. You are required to pay some money to get these certifications, but these depend on the project’s size.
Aside from the regular construction certificates, permits and licenses, applicants must consider getting sustainability certificates if they want to be deemed reliable and knowledgeable in this business. Some of the most necessary certificates to apply for include:
- • B Corp Certification
- • EWG Verified
- • Energy Star
- • LEED
- • National Green Building
- • Fairtrade International
- • Climate Neutral
- • Forest Stewardship Council
- • Global Organic Textile Standards
- • Leaping Bunny Program
- • PETA
- • Urban Green Council
- • US Green Building Council
- • Green Advantage
Most of these certifications are applicable across the US. However, you should check with your local government for state-specific recommendations if there are any.