Green Consulting Certification
The green consultant is a specialist in one or more environmental and ecological areas and for a fee aids business owners, homeowners and others on ways to become more environmentally conscious and friendly. The most recognized and respected certification is the LEED series of professional credentials overseen by the Green Building Certification Institute. Six credentials are available.
Other People Are Reading
-
LEED Accredited Professional
-
The LEED Accredited Professional is the standard for green building professionals. The LEED Accredited Professional (AP) first appeared in 2001 and quickly became the standard with more than 100,000 "green building" professionals in the field. In 2009, the U.S. Green Building Council introduced green specialization. LEED APs without a specialization can take 30 hours of continuing education in one of the prescribed specialty areas over two years or choose to remain an AP without a specialty area.
LEED Green Associate
-
The LEED Green Associate credential is the most significant and important of all the choices. The Green Associate examination is required for all specialty areas and prepares the AP with a foundation for the LEED system and strategies necessary for green consulting. LEED courses are delivered in classroom/workshop settings and online. One of the cornerstones of the LEED system is continuing education to make certain the consultant remains on the leading edge of his specialty area or areas.
-
LEED Neighborhood Development
-
The LEED Accredited Professional contributing to environmentally-responsible neighborhood design and development can achieve certification through a two-step process. First and foremost, the AP must take and pass the LEED Green Associate exam and then take and pass the LEED AP ND test. The preparation courses include sustainability beyond buildings, developing a neighborhood rating system and implementing it.
LEED Operation/Maintenance
-
LEED AP Operation and Maintenance (O+M) certification is for professional consultants who work with the environmentally sound practices and apply sustainability initiatives in the operation and maintenance of existing buildings. The credential requires both the Green Associate exam and the LEED AP O+M test that covers building operation and maintenance and how the LEED rating system applies to existing buildings.
LEED AP Homes
-
As with other LEED credentials, the LEED AP Homes certification requires course work in the LEED rating system for homes and how it is applied. The credential allows the holder to consult on the design and construction of green homes built to be efficient, effective and environmentally friendly.
LEED AP Commercial
-
LEED AP ID+C certification allows the AP to consult on the design and construction of commercial spaces, including tenant improvements. Preparation for the credential includes understanding the LEED AP ID+C rating system and how to use it. The certification designates the consultant as knowledgeable and capable of environmentally sound interior design.
LEED AP Builings
-
The LEED AP BD+C certification denotes a consultant who understands the application of sound design and construction practice that achieve cost-effective and environmentally competent, resilient and beneficial institutional, commercial and high-rise residential buildings. This credential designates the consultant as someone who understands and can implement the LEED rating system.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Recycle Logo The Bigger Picture image by Sophia Winters from Fotolia.com building image by peter Hires Images from Fotolia.com
