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.

ASHRAE Launches Commissioning Agent Certification

For those of you interested in working LEED projects or any other project for that matter, you may find this helpful.

"ASHRAE Launches Commissioning Agent Certification The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) will offer a new exam, starting in June, for Commissioning Process Management Professionals. Intended to help building owners and others find qualified people to conduct project commissioning. "

This might be a great way to grow your business!

LEED v3: What does it mean for you?

LEED v3 launches April 27, 2009. What does it mean for you?

Current LEED projects can be transferred from v2 to v3 between April 27 through October 26th free of charge. Projects that remain registered under version 2 will be unable to use the new version of LEED online.

For those of you considering doing LEED projects, registration for v3 begins April 27th.


There is a new credentialing system as well. You can no longer register for the LEED AP v2 Exam. What does that mean for current LEED AP's? There is a 2 part test which will be available Summer 09 and there will be new designations. Pratical experience on LEED projects will be required.

Check out all the info at the USGBC website!

Let me know what you think about the new v3!