How to Become a Green Consultant

Define your green consulting specialty through experience and education.

Research and public attention about environmental concerns continue to grow, and the public awareness is changing how we live, eat and do business. Corporations are changing their business models to incorporate eco-friendly "green" technology and sustainable practices. Consumers want green foods and products and energy-efficient dwellings. Because of the demand, opportunities for green consultants exist in diverse variety of environments including small communities and big businesses. To become a green consultant, learn an industry well and define your specialty within the green industry so you can provide expertise to others who want to make the green transition.

Instructions

1. Get experience in corporate management. Companies want green consultants with the experience needed to work independently and accomplish changes. So if you want to work with big corporations, you need several years of management experience to get the background you need to become a successful independent green consultant. Add green projects to your plate whenever possible during your time in management. Document project challenges and positive outcomes on your resume. Read industry publications about green challenges in your industry and potential solutions so you can offer expert opinions to companies that call you about projects.

2. Build or renovate a house or a commercial premises using solar panels and other green energy techniques. Keep a blog about the process to publicize your project. Contact journalists in your city or town and ask them to write about your building project. Take the lessons you learn from your personal building project and offer free assistance to community green-building projects. With enough construction projects under your belt, you can look for consulting opportunities on paid projects.

3. Get formal training in your area of expertise. As the green transition in business practices picks up, some companies are seeking qualified green consultants with formal education in specialty fields such as sustainability, clean energy or resource management. A master's degree or an advanced certificate from a reputable college or university can help you gain advanced knowledge your specialty area. You can also get green training outside of academia. For example, the National Association of Home Builders offers the Certified Green Professional certificate to recognize expertise in green building practices. Your formal training adds value and credibility to your resume.

4. Set up a home office or rent office space. Apply for the licenses and permits you need to run your consulting business. The licenses and permits you need will vary depending on your environmental consulting specialty. Visit the "Search for Business Licenses and Permits" page on the U.S. Small Business Administration website to find out about applicable regulations for your business.

5. Network with company executives and professionals in your area to find consulting business opportunities. Many green projects and initiatives are new, and companies that have needs may not have a formal job titles or functions yet. Join your local chamber of commerce to promote your services. Use social media to connect with other experts in your field. Attend green jobs and industry conferences such as Good Jobs, Green Jobs to meet green experts and learn about environmental trends, and government policy.

References

• Entrepreneur Magazine; Three Green Industries Ready for a Growth Spurt; Jason Daley; April 2011
• CNET News; This Green Home Will Heat Itself; Martin LaMonica; July 2009
• University of Pennsylvania College of Liberal and Professional Studies: Green & Sustainability Degrees
• National Association of Home Builders: Certified Green Professional
• CNN Money; Getting a Green Job Isn't So Easy; Anne Fisher; March 2010
• SBA.gov: Search for Business Licenses and Permits