The Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) has named pioneer Construction, Grand Rapids, Mich., a Certified Green Contractor.

Pioneer is the first contractor in the Midwest, and just the ninth in the U.S., to receive the certification.

The ABC Green Contractor certification program documents the construction community’s efforts to develop a sustainable workplace environment—both on and off the job site—while also recognizing ABC-member firms that are green-industry leaders.

To earn the certification, Pioneer was evaluated by ABC and an independent on-site assessor.

Each certified company must complete 13 prerequisites ranging from electronic distribution of documents to establishing an aggressive recycling program. In addition, companies are required to fulfill at least 12 of 36 elective items that include conducting a professional energy audit, conserving water and providing incentives for carpooling or using public transportation.

Each company also must achieve four education and training benchmarks, such as instructing employees about sustainability and requiring at least 25% of eligible managers to receive green-building awareness education. For more information, visit www.greenconstructionatwork.com/Certification.