Boston Green Building

In this greenwashed age, lots of contractors say they're environmentally conscious. But it takes a tremendous amount of time and education to transform a standard builder into a true green leader. Brian Butler has done just that, fully committing his company to the eco-friendly cause and ensuring that all his employees are fluent in the latest innovations. The result: In only a few years, BGB has upgraded dozens of homes with Energy Star PVC-free windows, bamboo kitchen cabinets, recycled flooring, and photovoltaic panels. Even better, BGB offers a range of alternatives to conventional construction tactics, and practices "open billing," which means clients get to see the base labor and material costs along with the final markup.

Photo: Contractor Brain Butler of Boston Green Building. Photo by Jorg Meyer.