Wanna be a subcontractor on multi million dollar projects for the big boys? Better brush up on your LEED. As green building becomes more mainstream, the mega construction companies are looking to work with subcontractors who can comply with LEED requirements, according to New York Construction.

Some of the subcontractors, like the project manager from Strocchia Iron Works of Brooklyn, went the extra mile to become LEED certified. The main contractors are more apt to hire LEED knowledgeable subs for a number of obvious reasons. One, being their bids are usually more accurate. They are more familiar with the specified materials and where to purchase them.

Bovis is building the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center, which seeks LEED-gold certification. They are making sure their job is easier by hiring subs that they feel “know their green”, especially its waste removal company and concrete supplier.

Skanska decided to manage much of the documentation and debris recycling for their subs. A current project, Corona Maintenance Shop & Car Washer Facility for New York City Transit Authority, achieved LEED certification. It collects rainwater to clean the cars and generates power through solar and fuel cell systems.

All this is good news for the environment.