Green Building and the New LEED Green Associate Credential

Source:  Erin Emery, Commuications Specialists, USGBC

The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) was created in 2008 to provide a buffer of autonomy from the U.S. Green Building Council, which develops the LEED rating systems. GBCI is an independent, third-party organization that ensures precision in the verification of the LEED rating systems and in the development and administration of the LEED professional exams.

Last year, GBCI launched an expanded suite of LEED professional credentials, adding specialization to the LEED Accredited Professional (AP) credential and introducing the LEED Green Associate. New eligibility requirements also have been implemented for the credentials and credential maintenance requirements to ensure that LEED professionals have the latest knowledge and understanding of green
building practices.

The LEED professional credentials program is the industry's agreed-upon way of identifying professionals who demonstrate ongoing excellence in green building practice in general and LEED specifically. They are designed to meet two goals. First, they recognize green building expertise and create incentives for professionals to maintain and advance their knowledge and skills. Second, they provide employers,
policymakers and other stakeholders with assurances of a professional's current level of knowledge and competence. Today's LEED professional credential holders are widely recognized as some of the most qualified, educated and influential green building professionals around the world.

The new LEED Green Associate credential demonstrates fundamental knowledge of green building concepts and is ideal for both professionals in green building-related fields of practice who may not be immediately involved in the LEED certification process, as well as professionals and
students interested in working toward their LEED AP with specialty credential. The LEED Green Associate launched in 2009 and so far, more than 7,800 professionals in 40 countries have earned the credential.

"The world of green building is growing rapidly," says Peter Templeton, president of GBCI. "Its key players not only include those in the building industry but also facility managers, sales professionals, lawyers, real estate brokers, product manufacturers and suppliers, students and more. The LEED Green Associate credential gives these individuals a means of differentiation from their peers in a highly
competitive job market."

Professionals interested in the LEED Green Associate credential are eligible if they are or have been employed in a sustainable field of work, have worked on a LEED-registered project or have completed an education program in green building principles. A candidate must document the experience in the form of a letter of attestation from a supervisor, client, project manager, or teacher that describes
involvement on the job or in the classroom. To ensure that their skills remain current, LEED Green Associates will participate in 15 hours of continuing education every two years.

For more information, please visit www.gbci.org