LEED Training for Green Employment

Just what is LEED training and what is a LEED Certification? These are important terms in today's new environmentally conscious culture. LEED stands for "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design". In short, it is a program to guide designers, builders, owners and operators of buildings or communities in achieving improvements in the environmental quality of their structures. The program involves both training of people; and, the certification of new or remodeled structures. The program was designed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) under the leadership of Robert K. Watson. The program is now administered by the Green Building Certification Institute. They provide accreditation for professionals who want to be recognized for their knowledge of the LEED rating system. The Institute also provides certification of building projects which meet LEED standards.

The USGBC now offers six different credentials for professionals involved in the building industry. These credentials include: LEED Green Associate; LEED AP BD+C; LEED AP ID+C; LEED AP HOMES; LEED AP O+M; and, LEED AP ND. The purpose and requirements for each certification are too detailed to cover in this article. Check USGBC website for more information.

The obvious question is: "where do I get the training I need to become certified by the USGBC?"A good place to start is by reviewing the Council's website at www.usgbc.org/.The website will give you a listing various credentials and information on the requirements for each one. They offer what they call Supporting Education Programs online or in person. There are even reference materials and study guides available. The USGBC site also reviews "third party" training programs which prepare you for the certification exam. Programs that meet their standards are listed in the USGBC Course Catalog.

There are also a number of "for profit" schools out there who provide training for LEED certification. There are literally hundreds companies offering online classes. Make sure you check them out thoroughly, as with anything else on the Internet. There are lots of scammers out there who want to make money off a popular program. A better route is to find a more traditional classroom type program. For profit operators, such as Remington College, do offer LEED certification classes. The best route to go is going to be in the traditional university setting. Universities with established schools of architecture and design will offer LEED training. They also offer the opportunity to expand your knowledge of how to achieve the metrics required for obtaining a LEED building certification.

Any professional will tell you that continued education is part of the job. It is what makes you a professional. In today's new "Green" world the need for environmental education and certification is required.

Leed Certification Resources

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