WASHINGTON, D.C. — Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) received a $90,000 grant from the Turner Foundation, Inc. in support of its national green building initiatives, with a focus on green certification and training.

ABC President and CEO Kirk Pickerel indicated that “ABC is pleased to receive this important national recognition of and support for our strong green building initiatives. The Turner Foundation was founded by media mogul Ted Turner, who according to Pickerel, “clearly sees the critical role merit shop construction plays in green building and sustainability practices nationwide.”

Michael Finley, president of the Turner Foundation, Inc. added that they “are pleased to recognize ABC for its commitment to playing an integral and important role in the construction industry’s move toward greater sustainability. “

Pickerel said that ABC will use the funding in its green contractor certification program, launched in June 2009, with a focus on obtaining third-party certification to assess and perform onsite inspections of participating construction firms. In addition, ABC will use the funding to develop tools and resources in green building and sustainable building practices for training initiatives focused on craft professionals, including apprentices and craft trainees, as well as journeymen and foremen.