| Typically the need for consultants is a direct result of trends in business and industry. These trends include the development of new technologies and programs, public and corporate awareness of issues, growing time constraints, underdeveloped skill sets, and human resource availability.;Benefits of green building include environmental, economic, and social aspects. There is a need for buildings to be built better, there is a market developing for greener buildings, the market exists beyond the traditional boundaries of what other professionals typically offer, and there is vast opportunity for consultants in the green building field. There is no single definition for what a green building consultant is or does; for there are many opportunities available for someone to be successful at green building consulting who has the knowledge, skills and experience to enter this field.;Key words. green building, sustainable building, consulting, role of consultant, building design, business plan, integrated design process.;Green building is a relatively new industry and there is a growing trend evolving in North America creating momentum around this industry. Buildings and construction contribute directly and indirectly to most of our environmental problems; we are running out of resources and polluting the environment. For building owners and those involved in the design and construction of buildings, the decline in resource availability and the increase in utility costs will likely have a dramatic impact on the future. |
