Hi Dan,

Anecdotal evidence suggests that LEED for New Construction, is the most popular LEED accreditation in terms of numbers of LEED APs with that specialty.

However, in terms of pure appeal, the economic downturn has resulted in fewer construction starts than before the downturn. This makes the NC credential somewhat less appealing, at least in the short term, than one that focuses on existing buildings.

The Appeal of LEED EBOM

LEED for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance credential is expected to become very popular as we focus on our enormous existing built environment.

Indeed, we expect LEED AP EBO+M to become much more common in the coming years, and surpass LEED for new construction, because of the sheer size of the market for improving the efficiency of the existing buildings in the U.S.

Ultimately, it depends on what you want to be doing. LEED APs can work on any LEED or non-LEED project, regardless of their specialty.

Both systems are similar in a lot of ways. You can get a sense of how you might fare on the LEED AP exam by trying the free LEED EBOM practice exam or free LEED BD+C practice exam.

Your decision to be educated on either the NC or EBOM systems should be driven by your dreams to do what you love doing.

Related Advice:

• LEED EBOM and Green Cleaning: 3 Credits and Prerequisites for Disinfectants



• LEED Existing Buildings Market Growth: Implications for Green Jobs?