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Green Careers: What Options for LEED Green Associates?

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Question:

Ryan asks: I am considering signing up for your LEED certification review course this summer, but I have a few questions: 1. Does the price cover the cost of the exam? 2. After the 2 days of class, do you give recommendations/material for further review before the exam? Do you feel that this course will cover all pertinent material for the exam? Would I even need further studying/review to complete the exam? 3. From what I understand about the LEED exam, you can take different exams that apply more specifically to your field, but can practice in other areas. I have a degree in Landscape Architecture and am currently working on an MBA, will your class appeal to my background? Finally, given my education background, eventually to be coupled with LEED accreditation, do you have any suggestions or recommendations on career opportunities? I am 24 years old and haven't yet had a "real job" so I am not exactly sure what is out there for someone with my (eventual) credentials. I have a passion for the environment as well as architecture, so I know I am in the right place, just not sure where to go from here. I have always been intrigued by real estate development, more particularly sustainable real estate development, and look to try and pursue something in that area unless I come across something in the green industry that appeals more to me. Any recommendations or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for all of your help!

Answer:
Advice provided by: Rob Freeman Jr, LEED AP, Green-Buildings.com
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Hi Ryan,

Thank you for your questions. The two day on-site training does not cover the cost of the LEED Green Associate exam. That is a separate fee that is paid to GBCI (for a full overview of the process and fees involved with the various LEED credentials, see this post on becoming a LEED Green Associate). I would definitely recommend studying for the exam after the preparation class... The training class includes supplementary material including a study guide and practice tests which are very helpful in preparing for the exam.

The initial credential that you would earn, assuming you choose to take the LEED exams separately, is the LEED Green Associate exam. This is a credential focused on the fundamentals of sustainability and LEED. Your mission to become a LEED AP, should you decide to accept it, will involve choosing a specialty track among the various LEED specialties, of which there are currently five:

  • LEED BD+C - Building Design and Construction
  • LEED ID+C - Interior Design and Construction
  • LEED Homes
  • LEED Neighborhood Development
  • LEED O+M - Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance

In terms of job/career suggestions, my personal choice would be getting involved in real estate development if that is something you are interested in. Do whatever it is you are interested in and don't waste time with anything else. I strongly believe that life is too short to waste your time on something you are not interested in.

The best way to approach it is to get started immediately (i.e. now/today) and begin talking with people who might be able to hire you or work with you in some way in real estate development. You'll find out soon enough what you like and don't like and the right path will present itself to you eventually through trial and error. Don't think too much about it, just get started and you'll find what interests you.

Finally, the real estate industry is very aware of "green" and it's something that everyone is interested in at some level so to a certain extent the "green industry" and the "real estate industry" are synonymous. There are opportunities in real estate for green product integrators, consultants, brokers, architects, designers, etc. The sky's the limit. Good luck!

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