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International Masonry Institute Green Crafts Training

April 11, 2011

ANNAPOLIS, MD —The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently approved the International Masonry Institute’s (IMI)* Green Crafts Training program which builds off IMI’s Sustainable Masonry Certification Program (SMCP) for contractors, making IMI the only masonry organization with green construction training programs for contractors and craftworkers recognized by USGBC.   

The intensive review of the program resulted in approval for seven Green Building Certification Institute** (GBCI) continuing education hours.  The course was also approved for seven LEED-specific hours under the Building Design + Construction and Interior Design + Construction Specialties. 

“This is a major milestone for the future of our training program and we’re looking forward to this program providing an added distinction for our BAC craftworkers,” said IMI President, Joan B. Calambokidis.  “With industry recognized sustainability concepts being taught at the apprenticeship level, our BAC craftworkers will be able to continue to build necessary skills to remain competitive in the world of construction today.”  For the full USGBC course listing go to: www.usgbc.org.
  
IMI initiated its Sustainable Solutions strategy with the goal of maximizing opportunities for the BAC contractor and craftworker.   IMI is now into its fourth year of program development and have been able to boast of many “firsts in category” for educating the designer and training the BAC contractor in sustainable practices for masonry construction.    Even after two years, IMI’s SMCP is still the only advanced level program recognized by the USGBC and GBCI.   Since its launch, SMCP has certified more than 200 masonry contractors representing brick, stone, tile, terrazzo, restoration, and cement crafts. 

For information about whether an instructor in your area has attended the Green Crafts Train-the-Trainer session, or to inquire about Green Crafts training contact Ed Bellucci via email ebellucci@imiweb.org or by phone at 301-291-2120.  For more information about SMCP contact Maria Viteri via email mviteri@imiweb.org or by phone at 410-280-1306.

*IMI is a joint labor-management cooperative program of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) and the contractors who employ its members, providing craft training and technical assistance to the design and building communities. IMI is a U.S. Green Building Council member and education provider.

**The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) is an independent, third-party organization administering project certifications and professional credentials for USGBC’s LEED rating system.