9781422276907

Introduction Green Construction Trades: Great Careers, Good Money, and Other Rewards Green construction is the planning, design, building, and operation of structures in an environmentally responsible manner. It is also known as green building and sustainable construction . Green construction stresses energy and water

efficiency, the use of eco-friendly construction materials (when possible), indoor environmental quality, the recycling and/or re-use of old building materials, and the structure’s overall effects on its site or the larger community. Green construction techniques are used in every trade— from carpentry and masonry, to plumbing, electrical work, and roofing. In 2017, one-third of single-family and multi- family home builders said that green construction was a significant aspect of their building activity, according

to a survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders and Dodge Data & Analytics. By 2022, this percentage is expected to increase to half. Although demand is strong for construction workers (espe-

cially those who have knowledge of green construction techniques), only 6 percent of students consider a career in the trades, according to ExploretheTrades.org. Why? Because many young people have misconceptions about the trades. They have been told that the trades are low-paying, lack job security, and other untruths. In fact, working in the trades is one of the best career choices you can make. The following paragraphs provide more information on why a career in the trades is a good idea.

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