To further its cause of green building, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago has established the Green Construction Institute.

The institute is dedicated to the advancement of sustainable practices in the construction industry.

The Green Construction Institute offers educational opportunities to keep the association’s member contractors up-to-date with the latest green building technology. The institute also provides classes for engineers, city officials, building owners, and United Association Pipe Fitters union Local 597 apprentices and journeymen, among others.

“Education is a top initiative of the association,” said Stephen Lamb, executive vice president of MCA Chicago. “For three years, the association has been instructing our member contractors on sustainable technology, to help them meet the ever-growing demand for green building and maintain a competitive edge in the process. This year, we decided it was time to formalize our efforts by founding the Green Construction Institute.”

Member contractors of MCA Chicago work with the pipe fitters and service technicians of Local 597 to build powerhouses to generate electricity, to install and service heating and air-conditioning systems in homes and buildings, and to install piping wherever it is needed, from oil refineries to food-processing plants.

“Green building is steadily growing in popularity,” said Dan Bulley, senior vice president of MCA Chicago and executive director of the Green Construction Institute. “Any business in the construction industry that ignores sustainable technology runs the risk of being left behind and losing market share.”

In addition to his duties with MCA Chicago, Bulley is also the treasurer of the Chicago chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, and was honored for his efforts as volunteer chairman for Greenbuild 2007. Bulley is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-accredited professional.