“Green” or Sustainability is how we live, work and build through intentional actions to preserve natural resources for future generations.
Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) mission is to advance its members’ ability to support their customers and thrive in the green building industry by:
- providing education and resources to ABC members and chapters;
- advocating for smart energy policy and legislation that supports ABC members;
- establishing partnerships and working with construction owners to champion green initiatives that are inclusive of ABC members; and
- developing and communicating best practices to ABC members and chapters to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and promote an eco-friendly culture throughout the association.
It is the charge of the National Green Building Committee to fulfill ABC's mission.
ABC has been at the forefront of the green building movement since its inception. ABC member SIGAL Construction was a green building pioneer during the 1980s. In 1991, SIGAL Construction started SIGAL Environment and began incorporating environmentally preferable methods and materials into new construction projects. It was through this sustainable design and practice that SIGAL Environment went on to become a founding member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). In addition, SIGAL was one of the authors of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. ABC members continue leading the construction industry by utilizing sustainable construction methods and practices. ABC understands that more thoughtful and environmentally responsible construction is an important step in ensuring we leave a softer footprint on the landscape for future generations.
According to Engineering News-Record in 2009, 57 of the Top 100 Green Contractors are ABC members generating more than $21.5 billion in revenue from green construction.
ABC is a national association with 77 chapters representing 25,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms with 2 million employees. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors of the industry.
ABC strongly advocates the merit shop construction philosophy, which encourages open competition and a free-market approach to awarding construction contracts. ABC believes that all contractors should have the opportunity to compete openly and fairly for green projects. Requirements that restrict the ability of merit shop contractors to bid on green projects unnecessarily limit competition and do not offer any benefit to the end users – the general public. Construction contracts should be based on merit and awarded to the most qualified and responsible low bidders, regardless of labor affiliation. Learn more...