I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine that is taking his Green Building business serious. He is a builder in the Salt Lake City and Park City Utah area. I have included some information from his site and link so you can find him.

GreenTech Design/Build was founded by Thad Peterson, a long time student and veteran in green design/build with a bachelor’s degree in construction management, two years of masters’ study in architecture and a certificate of graduation from the 2008 Built Green University. From his beginning efforts over twenty years ago of optimizing every square inch of a 20 X 20 two story mountain cabin box to his current dilemma of how to justify the mega trophy homes of gated and resort communities, Thad saw the need for a holistic sensible solution to an out of control and mindless building industry. A solution, not only for those eco saviors of the planet, wanting to go totally off grid but equally important and probably more impacting, for those converts just now realizing the importance and advantages of going green.

GT Design/ Build Process

With the current frenzies in the building industry leading to price gouging and poor quality from builders scrambling to pick up business at any cost, GreenTech Design/Build maintains its’ competitive but friendly client-based building process. This system, which we call the GT Design/Build Process, was established to create and maintain a healthy relationship between the contractor and client from the initial project inception through its successful completion and beyond. Since most decisions affecting the overall cost and scope of a project occur at the very beginning, if brought in at this stage, the contractor can be a useful resource in determining budget, product and design parameters.

For this reason a cost plus fee contract is preferred versus a fixed price bid in which contractors are more motivated to under bid the job to get the business than to provide a true and realistic budget of the project. Competitive bids are still given by subcontractors and suppliers to GreenTech Design/Build and the owner, who can then work together in making open and informed decisions and in keeping construction costs down. This open communication and teamwork is encouraged through each phase of the project as listed below with our holistic building approach in the GT Design/Build Process.

GreenTech Team building – you inform us of your vision and expectations

• we offer you GT resources, advantages, and services

Contracts, Terms & Warranties – thank you for choosing the best for your project

• your customized GT Job Journal is initiated

Site visit – assess job site characteristics for design and resource opportunities

• evaluate projects scope of work and compatibility to site and surroundings

Project Parameters – define budgets, scheduling, and strategic milestones

• determine applicable green and sustainable goals

Design Phase – choose design professional whether it be GT Design or others

• collaborate on most effective design options and overall concept

Construction Drawings – coordinate clear and detailed working drawings

• establish specifications for product and work descriptions

Permitting & Architectural Approvals – meeting all required guidelines and laws

Bidding of Subs & Suppliers – according to plans, specifications, and the GT Journal

• selecting qualified and competitive associates

Construction Management – building and managing the project construction team

• open line of communication from job and team to client
• completing on time, within budgets and to GT standards

Delivery & Warranty – walking client through buildings operational systems

• instructing client in techniques of preventive maintenance
• offering additional services and warranty assurances

At GreenTech Design/Build we appreciate the stewardship of your project and pride ourselves in treating each endeavor as if it were our only and most important job.

Please Contact Thad through his website at http://greentechdesignbuild.com

In the tough economy, today more people are going back to school because they can’t find a job without the degree. In the construction industry more project superintendents and project managers’ positions require a construction management degree. Construction management professionals need a variety of skills to succeed in this dynamic field. Professionals coordinate projects varying from road and bridge construction to residential projects and the construction of buildings like schools and hospitals.

Knowledge of construction science, construction management, and business are crucial for successful individuals in the field of construction management. These are the three main fields of study in the Construction Management degree program at Westwood College. Attending a construction management school can help you prepare for this dynamic career, and Westwood College will help you get the experience and training you need.

So with the down turn in housing and overall construction many might asks why go into this field of study. With the direction of President Obama the road and bridge construction is going to become one of the hot job needs over the next several years. The housing and commercial construction will start to pick up in 2010. It may be slow at the present time but the construction industry will increase over the next 10 years.

With the emphasis on Green building, renewable energy and energy efficient remodeling, it would be a great plus to add a LEED or NAHB Green Program certification to any Construction Management degree. This may just be the edge you may need to land that great Construction Management position. Many of the new government and local city projects are going LEED certified, so have this certification on your resume would enhance your ability to get into this field.

For more information about Westwood College’s Construction Management degree follow this link:

http://www.westwood.edu/degree-programs/business/construction-management/degree.asp

For more information on LEED certification follow this link:

Everblue LEED Certification

For more information on the NAHB National Green Building Program follow this link:

NAHB National Green Building Program