Monday, June 29, 2009

LEED-AP

I have not updated this blog in awhile. Since the last post I have been studying diligently to become a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accreditited Professional (LEED-AP) through the U.S. Green Building Council. On Friday, June 26, 2009, I acheived that goal.

The LEED Green Building Rating System is a nationally accepted rating and certification system for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings.

LEED Professional Accreditation distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the LEED certification process. LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED Rating System. The LEED AP designation will allow firm clients to earn one point toward LEED Certification for their projects, if they do not already have a LEED –AP on the project team. Otherwise it will useful in consulting regarding all aspects “green” construction projects from contracting to implementation.

Achieving LEED certification has been mandated at the local and state levels for certain public and private building construction projects and certain jurisdictions give tax credits for LEED certification.

For example: In Annapolis commencing Jan. 1, 2009, all public buildings have to be U.S. Green Building Council LEED certified Silver, or the equivalent and affected commercial construction would have to be LEED certified, or the equivalent. The Green Building law will impact all new construction and major modifications to residential and commercial structures of greater than 7,500 square feet.

On the State level, on April 24, 2008, Governor Martin O'Malley signed into law SB 208, the High Performance Buildings Act. The act requires that all new public construction and major renovation projects greater than 7500 square feet (including universities) achieve the LEED Silver standard. The High Performance Buildings Act further requires that Maryland public schools using state funds earn LEED Silver certification, effective July 2009.

Green building is certainly the way of the future. I am available to consult on green building projects in which you would like to become involved or otherwise discuss LEED and green building and construction.

5 comments:

  1. Keep up the excellent job. Its really fantastic.

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  2. I am in the process of drafting a business plan for Gardner Building Group, Inc. a recently formed S-Corp in Maryland. Our focus is building green in Maryland. We are a sustainable commercial and residentil building and renovation company. While we are just in our infancy, I was wondering if you have any advice on how to bid or find for that matter schools and businesses in Maryland that are either by choice or mandate embarking on green building or improvements - Any advice would be much appreciated.

    Kind Regards,
    Ken Gardner
    CEO
    Gardner Building Group
    kennethggardner@gmail.com
    301-898-2860

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  3. Why take the LEED Exam Prep course?
    Studying and applying to become a LEED AP can be both expensive and time consuming. Our programs are designed to get you through the process quickly and easily. CleanEdison has developed a comprehensive course of study to help you master the ins and outs of the exam, so you can start enjoying the many benefits of being a LEED Accredited Professional. http://www.cleanedison.com/LEED-exam-prep.html

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  4. Hey Ken,

    First thing I would do to prepare for your business plan, would be to return the money you embezzled from Dan Ryan Builders. Then just move out the region, because your name is trash around here!
    Dan Ryan

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  5. Good advice. Some of the legal aspects are important to take note of. This site is a good source of information on copyright law.

    ReplyDelete