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What is a LEED Green Associate?

Answer:
Advice provided by: Rob Freeman Jr, LEED AP, Green-Buildings.com
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As part of the new LEED 2009 rating system, the credentialing system for LEED professionals has become more complex.

USGBC has expanded the types of LEED accredited professionals from one simple designation (LEED AP) to three separate tiers. Tier I is called "LEED Green Associates".

Tier I: LEED Green Associates

LEED Green Associate exam covers the basics of green building and does not require the same level of in-depth knowledge that is required to oversee a LEED certified building/development.

Unlike the LEED AP exam, the LEED Green Associates exam does not cover one particular area (such as LEED New Construction or EB O&M) but is limited to basic knowledge of LEED and sustainability.

Such an exam should appeal to many companies with established sustainability programs as well as individuals such product manufacturers, marketers, support staff, analysts, designers, students, etc... who may be involved in a green building project and who are interested in learning as much as possible about LEED.

LEED AP

In addition to the LEED AP with Specialty, which is Tier II, there is now a more highly regarded Tier III within the USGBC called a "LEED AP Fellow".

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Expert Advice and Comments

Green Associate

Wed, 05/06/2009 - 18:30 — Anonymous (not verified)

1. How helpful might a Green Associate be to a small business or nonprofit who, previously and even now, must opt for a DIY approach -- i.e., cannot afford a LEED AP, so uses its own in-house resources. If it can afford to get its in-house person certified as a Green Associate, is there measurable benefit? Will it help in a meaningful and bottomline way -- e.g., significantly enhance their LEED document management capabilities?

2. And I guess that begs the question, all things being equal, does LEED 3 make it more or less difficult to achieve LEED certification with only in-house resources than in the LEED 2 days?

3. For an in-house approach to succeed, what core resources are recommended -- templates, workshops, etc.? What core skillsets?

4. In addition to above, what other investment in time, training, resources, exam preparation, and testing costs are needed to convert an in-house team member into a LEED GA?

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