We see everywhere how the American public has a hunger to live and work in green, healthy spaces — and now a statistic coming from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) indicates that level of desire.

Here's the stat: One thousand professionals in the building industry have taken the NAHB's green training program. They've completed the classes, studied hard and passed the tests. Now, they're certified to build structures as green professionals because they know their stuff.

In response to demand, the building industry has been offering greener materials and greener manufacturing of those substances; however, with the release of this stat we see that the industry is increasing its response by training builders who are certified in best practices as well. Green materials plus green procedures equal healthier spaces to live and work.

The NAHB president was expecting the certification program to be popular, but adds: "This is phenomenal growth."

Questions can be sent to Jim Parks at [email protected]. To find out more about Jim Parks and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.