Becoming a LEED Certifier

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is an important accomplishment for many in the green collar workforce. Having a LEED certificate demonstrates knowledge and skill in the green industry. Individuals can gain the title of a LEED professional, and building projects can receive the LEED stamp of approval as well. Perhaps you're wondering not only how an individual or a building project can be certified, but also how one can become a LEED certifier. Well then, this is the article that you've been looking for!

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) in Washington, D.C. is the organization that oversees and develops the LEED certification program. LEED certification is awarded via seven titles: LEED Green Associate, LEED AP Building Design and Construction, LEED AP Operations and Maintenance, LEED AP Interior Design and Construction, LEED AP Homes, LEED AP Neighborhood Development, and LEED Fellow. Before an individual is granted any of these certified titles, one must first pass an extensive exam that tests knowledge of green building standards and practices. In order for a specific building to be specified as LEED approved, a LEED certifier must inspect it.

A LEED certifier surveys newly constructed homes and facilities to see if they meet LEED standards. To become an LEED certifier, one must first be LEED-certified themselves. Additionally, they must participate in an internship where the USGBC monitors their skills until they demonstrate proficiency in the LEED certification process. This is normally accomplished with the inspection of approximately twenty-five homes. During this internship, potential certifiers must familiarize themselves with the LEED rating system, which includes eight categories: innovation and design process, location and linkages, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and awareness and education.

The LEED certifier, once fully trained, is then able to visit various building projects awaiting certification and award credits in each of the eight categories. They assess the project's overall quality level, which is broken down into four tiers: certified, silver, gold and platinum. The granting of a tier depends upon how many points that the certifier bequeaths the home project. After thoroughly inspecting the home and filling out the required documents, the certifier then delivers the certificate to the builder, who then displays the LEED certification prominently and places the house up for sale, touting that it has been approved by LEED.

If you have a love for real estate and a desire to see new construction projects completed with little waste and a wise usage of natural resources, coupled with a desire to help homeowners conserve energy, you may wish to pursue employment as a LEED certifier. Similarly, you can also work as a LEED certification associate, which basically oversees the certification team and performs behind-the-scenes administrative duties, including data entry and accounting. For more information about employment opportunities as a LEED certifier or where to participate in an internship program, contact the United States Green Council in Washington, D.C.

Leed Certification Resources

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