If the large number of questions and calls we get at Green-Buildings.com is any indication, the trend toward greener living, green entrepreneurship and greater efficiency in energy, electricity and water use is not going away. Entrepreneurial and established businesses and individual consumers are increasingly interested in “going green" and they want to learn more about it. Primarily, they want to save money and make money while feeling good about what they're doing. What could be better?!?

Over the past few years, the appeal of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) has grown at an aggressive pace and there are more than 100,000 LEED Accredited Professionals in the marketplace today. The LEED AP credential is a favorite of technical specialists, such as engineers and architects, and it is becoming even more specialized with the launch of LEED v3.

Individuals who are interested in getting involved in sustainability may want to be “green”, but many do not know what “green” means or what it involves. Making things more confusing for green newbies, there is a significant amount of "greenwash" out there from companies and individuals who position themselves as being green, but really aren't, while only to try to make a buck.

One of the biggest obstacles to green contracting practices is knowledge... This is where the new LEED GA credential comes in. LEED GA is an excellent starting point for green entrepreneurs. LEED GA represents a foundation not only for "green newbies", but also for those people who are knowledgeable about sustainability, but don't have a credential yet and want one.

Becoming a green entrepreneur, in many ways, is a change in business strategy that will allow you to take advantage of the green trend. Business people, such as lawyers, consultants, brokers, designers, builders, etc. must transform themselves into green experts and take the lead in educating their customers about the benefits of energy-efficient systems and practices, green design and its value.

To teach and sell sustainability, entrepreneurs must expend the time and effort necessary to research existing systems and science, new products and sustainability methods so that you can educate your customers on what is available and how you can help them reach their goals. LEED GA provides this basic information and is not only an excellent foundation for a business owner, but also is the starting point for future excellence within the LEED education and credential system on the road to LEED AP or even LEED AP Fellow.

As it is so new, few individuals thus far, have earned the LEED GA credential. This is not going to last, however. We believe that LEED GA will be much bigger than LEED AP with hundreds of thousands of LEED GAs in the marketplace. This attribution to the green movement might be all that is needed for a consumer to choose your company over another.