Our Standards

Our Mission
Premier Community Builders build a better Austin by promoting a safe and sustainable workforce. Their commitment to Austin creates jobs and growth amidst the economic downturn, and their investment in the workforce ensures that Austin’s unique neighborhoods and communities can all prosper.

The Problem
Premier Community Builders refuse to participate in the race to the bottom that is undermining sustainable development in Texas.  Low standards and cutting corners may provide short-term cost savings, but ultimately they damage the industry, endanger the livelihoods of the workforce, and provide consumers with low-quality buildings. A 2009 study conducted by the University of Texas and Workers Defense Project reveals that in Austin:

-Less than half of the workforce has workers compensation insurance
-64% of construction workers lacked basic health and safety training
-Half of construction workers are paid wages that leave them below the poverty line
-Texas is the deadliest state in the country for construction, with about 140 fatalities on the job per year—a death every 2.5 days.

Our Solution:
Premier Community Builders are setting a new trend in the industry. Workers Defense Project certifies that Premier Community Builders uphold sustainable workforce standards across all their worksites.

The Premier Standards:
- Ensuring that workers are given proper safety equipment and safety trainings.
-Ensuring that workers are fairly and competitively compensated, so that they can provide for themselves and their families.
-Rewarding workers with benefits for their work, including workers’ compensation insurance in case of injury.
-Hiring high quality contractors with records of excellence and upholding the law.
-Working with local community groups to promote job creation, workforce training, and Austin’s unique and vibrant character.

By upholding the highest standards, Premier Community Builders distinguish themselves as leaders in the commercial green building movement. Premier Community Builders harness their projects to create safe, reliable jobs for Austin residents, and invest in the local economy to make Austin the most livable city in the country.