The International Masonry Institute has launched a sustainability certification program for masonry contractors.

The institute developed the program to educate union masonry contractors on the nuts-and-bolts of sustainability practices and their role in the LEED certification process.

The course addresses the different responsibilities of a subcontractor, ranging from estimating and project scope, to project management and documentation. It covers all the LEED credits that every masonry contractor should know, plus green-specific strategies such as site use, material storage and construction waste management.

IMI launched the program at a June session in Pittsburgh, which is a national leader in LEED-certified buildings.

“The people most responsible for construction need to understand the requirements for LEED buildings,” said IMI Director of Sustainability and Program Development Maria Viteri, AIA, LEED AP. “Job site practices can make or break a project. Having masonry contractors certified in sustainable practices makes them a valuable part of the team.”