Stephanie asks: My firm wants to become more knowledgeable in LEED design and construction and my boss has asked that I become certified. We are looking into the LEED GA, but are worried about having the necessary credentials considering that our firm hasn't done any LEED projects to date. Is it really that difficult to be eligible to become a LEED GA? Can I take any seminars that would qualify under the education program? I'm new to this whole process and am just trying to figure out where to start. Thanks!

Answer: Hi Stephanie, all candidates who wish to take the LEED Green Associates Exam to become accredited professionals under LEED must do the following to comply with the Green Building Certification Institute ("GBCI"), the organization that is in charge of credentialing/testing for the USGBC:

1) Agree to the disciplinary policy and credential maintenance guidelines as outlined at GBCI.org.
2) Demonstrate or document involvement in support of LEED projects OR be employed in a sustainable field of work OR engaged in an education program in green building principals and LEED.
3) Agree to be audited if called by the GBCI (5% chance)

Under #2, the following are examples of "sustainable fields of work" in our opinion:

* Green entrepreneur/developer: Being a developer (or working for one) who develops an idea for a green building project, structures the deal, etc.

* Site selection consultant: Working for an environmental consulting agency assisting with a brownfield or greyfield site to resolve an environmental problem and/or reuse an existing structure, etc.

* Green construction company: Working for a green builder, architect, engineer, interior designer, green services (such as recycling) provider who work together to deliver the project.

* Sustainable Materials provider: Working for an insulation installer, mechanical systems engineering company, green roof installer, solar panel manufacturer or installer, geothermal installer, stormwater management systems provider, etc.

* Green services provider or consultant: Working with a LEED AP, green retrofit company, commissioning agent,energy efficiency auditor, mechanical systems consultant, environmental attorney, broker, green janitorial services provider, efficient lighting controls installer, etc...

* Green Property Management: Working for a property management company that applies sustainability as a strategy for creating property value.

Also under #2, the "education program that addresses green building principles" option is the simplest to achieve. The GBCI's LEED Green Associate guide states that "For candidates who have attended or are attending an education program that addresses green building principles, GBCI will accept a certificate of completion or an official transcript in lieu of a letter of attestation. Any other eligibility documentation must be in the form of a letter of attestation."

There are many excellent online and offline education programs that address green building principles in depth. Find one that provides a certificate of completion upon successfully finishing the course.

The best of these courses are taught by experienced builders, architects or designers who are also LEED APs themselves and who have been teaching green building principles for years.

Check here and here for more information on LEED GA programs that provide certificates of completion.

Hope this helps!
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