QUALITY. Happ utilizes a quality program built on feedback from our customers. We rate our performance not on how good a job we think we've done, but how good a job the owners and architects and engineers think we've done. Learning what our customers think gives us the opportunity to build on our successes and improve our shortcomings. Happ also practices standard "Quality in Construction" methods that ensure all our work is done right, complete and free of defects the first time.

This in-house program is our way of making sure that projects go beyond being just "good enough" and exceed the expectations of our customers. We do this through pre-installation meetings and conducting various inspections during the critical path of projects including: first delivery of materials, first equipment installations, benchmarks for each new type of work, and closure of utility systems.

SAFETY. Happ employees are committed to performing work in the safest manner possible, consistent with good construction practices. As a result, Happ's safety record is consistently better than the industry average. Our internal safety program reflects our belief that people are our company's most valuable asset. Ensuring the safety and health of everyone involved in our projects is the single most important responsibility given to Happ.

One of the principles of Happ Contractors, Inc., W. Andrew Happ is a 2007 graduate of the Sustainable Building Advisor Program, offered at Bucks County Community College. Andrew passed the National Sustainable Building Advisor Certification Exam. This certification entitles the graduate to use the designation of CBSA (Certified Sustainable Building Advisor). The Sustainable Building Advisor Program (NaSBAP) is a newly formed national organization founded for the sole purpose of offering this unique and comprehensive SBA curriculum to practicing professionals around the country. You can contact the NaSBAp at this email address: info@nasbap.org.

The nine month course encompassed the following Categories of Study:

Unit 1: Fundamentals of Sustainable Building
Unit 2: Importance of Place
Unit 3: Energy Efficiency and Lighting
Unit 4: “Green” Material Selection
Unit 5: Indoor Environmental Quality & Health
Unit 6: Water Conservation and Quality Protection
Unit 7: Sustainable Job Site Operations
Unit 8: Building Operations and Maintenance

Participation in the course provided the participant with classroom practical exercise that will enable the participant the knowledge to:

• Identify and discuss the key practices of sustainable building.
• Apply LEED, Built Green and other relevant criteria or establish guidelines.
• Analyze the costs and benefits of incorporating sustainable building measures.
• Work with Architects, designers, builders, building operator and utilities to improve a building performance.
• Aid in taking advantage of financial incentives and technical assistance offered by governments, utilities and non-profit organizations.
• Aid in establishing sustainable design goals for project development.
• Improve the environmental, social and economic viability of the region.
• Reduce environmental impacts.
• Reduce long term cost and liability for building owners, operators and tenants.
• Gain an understanding of current sustainability performance standards.

The course gave the participants exposure to the leadership in energy efficient designed (LEED) rating systems and the Keystone Green Building Initiative, a program developed by the Home Builders Association of Bucks and Montgomery counties for energy efficient residential construction.