“Going Green” is becoming an increasingly popular and durable trend as concern grows about the sustainability of our planet – which includes great concern about the quality and quantity of the air and water we depend on for our comfort, indeed require for our survival. So, therefore, is interest growing in creating “green” buildings – ones that use less energy, water and natural resources. That create less waste. That are healthier, better for the environment and (also) save money.

The “Go Green” movement already has spawned at least 70 local or regional programs in the United States. The prevailing initiative at the national level is the Leadership in Engineering and Environmental Design (LEED) program put together by the U. S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a nonprofit organization of more than 13,500 organizations from across the building industry that are working to advance structures that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work. Members include building owners and end-users, real estate developers, facility managers, architects, designers, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, product and building system manufacturers, government agencies and nonprofits.

This consensus-based collaboration has developed standards and specifications for making new buildings green, including new homes. To address existing homes, USGBC worked with the American Society of Interior Designers to create guidelines for remodeling, or regreening, which were issued in March 2008. The guidelines for regreening are organized according to the 10 most common remodeling project types, including environmental strategies for each of your home’s systems – including plumbing, HVAC and electrical. They also include a library of strategies by environmental topic and case studies of successful green home renovations. You might want to consider regreening your home if you have any expansion or serious renovation in mind.

Some time ago, PAMCANI recognized the growing significance of the green movement (including regreening) and so has established new educational programs and seminars for its member managements and workforces so they can stay on the leading edge of related technologies and practices.