Green Building Inspector Certification

Green building inspectors examine commercial and residential structures to ensure the buildings have been constructed in accordance with sustainable design principles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes an increased demand for inspectors knowledgeable about green and sustainable design.

Features

• Green building inspector certification programs are available through organizations such as the International Association of Home Building Inspectors, (InterNACHI). InterNACHI's program is accredited and approved by licensing boards in states including Illinois, South Dakota, Kansas, New Jersey, Texas and Wisconsin. A green building inspector course covers topics including energy-efficient windows, renewable energy sources and sustainable practices and materials.

Function

• Green building inspection certification is designed to teach inspectors why green building is important and how to recognize green structures. Training and certification prepares inspectors to meet a growing demand for individuals who can verify green features and systems in buildings.

Potential

• The BLS notes that employment for building inspectors is expected to increase by about 17 percent through the year 2018. In May 2008, the median annual wage for building inspectors was $50,180. The BLS cautions that increasingly, states are restricting entry into the home inspection industry to individuals who are certified.