Why so many different certifications? I asked that of some people at the International Builders' Show, sponsored by NAHB. The answers were some variation of "The NAHB program is easier for builders to understand and implement."

Besides, with so many people claiming to be going green and the rise of greenwashing (the practice of claiming to be a green company despite minimal commitment to green practices), it's hard to know who knows what. Does installing Energy Star appliances make a builder green? Well, it's a start, but there are a lot of other considerations, too.

That's why I'm glad to see all of this activity. If I were planning to build a green house, I would want a builder who really knows his stuff -- someone I could work with, knowing that he had the same vision as I had. I know plenty of other people feel the same way; I've heard from some who are frustrated at not being able to find a builder or remodeler who is truly knowledgable about green building.

What's your experience? If you're a green builder, do you plan to get one of the available designations as evidence of your expertise? If you're a homeowner, would you feel more comfortable building a green house if you knew your builder had some kind of certification? Or would you be okay with someone who seems to know his stuff, even without certification?

And where do you seen the green movement headed? Is it absolutely the future of home building, or is it a trend that's doomed to fizzle because no one is particularly interested in green homes?