Aggressive recycling, water and energy conservation and sustainable practices are among the many "green" criteria fulfilled by Viking Construction, Inc. to become a Certified Green Contractor, as designated by the national Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) association. The certificate was awarded after Viking submitted a comprehensive application that illustrated the green practices and principles the company implements at job sites as well as at Viking offices. Additionally, the ABC's National Green Building Committee completed an independent, third-party, on-site assessment of Viking.
The Green Contractor Certification process involves a list of 13 prerequisites ranging from distributing documents electronically to establishing an aggressive recycling program. Companies are required to fulfill 12 of 36 elective items that include conducting a professional energy audit, water conservation efforts and providing incentives for carpooling or using public transportation. In addition, each company must achieve four education and training benchmarks, such as instructing employees on sustainability issues and requiring at least 25% of managers to receive green building awareness education.
"We have traditionally managed our resources very carefully so as not to waste energy, materials, or our clients' money," said Anthony Gaglio, Sr., president of Viking. "As newer, greener products, services and business practices began to enter our industry we were able to step up our sustainability efforts even more. This is something that is important to our company and to our clients, and we are proud to receive this recognition."
The ABC created its Green Contractor Certification program to set formal standards within the construction industry. Today, the importance and significance of this program is increasing among customers and the general public.
"Viking Construction has proven to us its success with green practices in the construction process and in the workplace," said Brewster Earle, chairman of the ABC National Green Building Committee and president of Comfort Systems USA Energy Services in Hartford, Conn. "As a Certified Green Contractor, the ABC welcomes Viking as yet another example of how our industry is making real progress towards sustainability. This is a well-earned distinction for Viking."