Green Builder--Career Q&A: Professional Advice and Insight

What is it like to be a green builder? In this Career Q&A video interview, Kenny Grono talks about his career path, what he does on the job, and the keys to success in the field of green remodeling. He also offers candid advice on breaking into the profession as well as insight into the industry;s biggest challenges and how the field may change in the next ten years.

Length: 21 minutes

ORDER CODE: FFM-BVL124223

Copyright date: ©2017

Closed Captioned

Green Builders: Main Duties and Responsibilities (00:20)
As president of Buckminster Green, Kenny Grono supervises eight employees and a general manager.

Green Builders: Career Beginnings (01:56)
Grono became interested in green building during the time he and his wife were buying homes to fix-up. He discovered many people were not willing to pay for certain green upgrades.

Green Builders: Keys to Success (02:46)
Make sure you have a wide range of knowledge about various building specialties, good organizational skills, and strive to work with people who have the same commitment to green building.

Green Builders: Education and Certification Requirements (02:54)
Grono describes the differences between green-building educators: LEED and Passive House. He has a Green Advantage Certification which is more practical for remodeling projects.

Green Builders: Workplace Atmosphere (02:23)
Grono splits time between his home office and workshop where he meets with crew members and does custom work. His day begins at 7 am and involves a couple hours of driving between projects.

Green Builders: Advice for Aspiring Pros (01:44)
Besides an education, Grono recommends having good organization and communication skills. He explains why it is better to get hands-on experience from a medium-sized green builder.

Green Builders: A Day on the Job (01:54)
Grono's day can begin with messages from sub-contractors. He checks his email for emergencies and then meets with potential clients and visits job sites. He works on budgets at his home office and finally confers with his project manager.

Green Builders: Industry Goals and Services (02:01)
Green builders use fewer materials and more labor than new construction. Clients may want more efficiency or a better layout. New homes are designed to use the least amount of energy and have the least impact on the environment.

Green Builders: Industry Challenges (02:55)
There are fewer people coming up from trade schools that can do the hands-on work. Green building is more expensive initially.

Green Builders: Looking at the Future (01:21)
Green building is growing after the economic downturn and is closer to becoming the industry standard