MID-HUDSON – With more and more emphasis on ‘green’ or environmentally sound construction, construction contractors and labor unions are becoming more attuned to the processes required.

Construction Contractors Association of the Hudson Valley Executive Director James Bodrato said they have applied for two grants for training programs for LEEDS certification.

“We have contractors enrolled right now, certifying themselves hopefully to support one of our biggest customers, the Port,” he said. “But, beside the Port Authority, a lot of our end uses, the hospitals and the colleges, even private businesses are looking to do energy efficient buildings, whether they are photo-voltaic power or built with recycled materials, there are all kinds of levels you can work at with LEED certification.”

More and more public facilities are building with green principles. Dutchess County’s new emergency services building is being constructed with a geo-thermal heating and cooling system and Orange County government has adopted its own green policy for new construction.