Article by Mike Dishberger, Sandcastle Homes

“Green” building is here to stay. Over the last decade, the business of “green” crossed-over into the building industry. “Green” is the new buzzword in construction and is consistently stealing the limelight and getting publicity on television and in print.

The GHBA is offering a voluntary green program, Green Built Gulf Coast (GBGC). The program is a recognized adopting entity of the ICC 700- the National Green Building Standard, the only ANSI approved green building program.

To date, there are over 30 builders participating in GBGC and over 1300 homes certified. These builders are using GBGC to enhance their competitive edge in the market and to appeal to those forward thinking consumers concerned about the future resale value of their home.

The GBGC program offers an affordable means of certifying a home as green.  Other programs can cost upwards of $250 in yearly fees and $350 or more per project.  GBGC costs $50-100 a year to participate and $25-50 for each home certification.

GBGC also has opportunities available for developers, remodelers and associates. To find out more about the GBGC program, visit www.GreenBuiltGulfCoast.org.