LEED Certification Process: Before the Exam

Achieving a LEED Credential can be quite a process. It requires more than simply taking an exam and calling it a day. The purpose of attaining such a certification is to demonstrate one’s expertise in the green building industry. This persona should be supported by extensive preparation, experience, knowledge, and maintenance. In fact, the USGBC requires that a LEED candidate undergo multiple criteria to be eligible for different tiers in the LEED Rating System.

The mandatory first step for an individual is to take LEED Exam Prep training. The main benefit of taking a LEED preparation course is the time that it saves. A student who attends a training course easily saves 3-4 hours of time for each hour that they spend in a concentrated learning environment. For example, someone taking a class might spend 14 hours in the classroom and another 20 hours studying for a total of 34 hours, compared to an individual studying on their own who might easily spend more than 100 hours trying to get to the same level of competency. So, the question is really about how someone values saving 70 hours of their time.

To choose a good program, a student should look at third-party indicators of their quality. Is the program from an accredited school? Is the organization offering the program an education provider for the U.S. Green Building Council? What do online reviews from former students say about the program?

The programs that waste students’ money most often are from small and inexperienced companies who do not have the expertise to properly design a course to successfully prepare students for their exam. Does the program reference former clients? Are they partnered with large corporations and universities for delivery of their classes?

Upon completion of the LEED prep class, an individual should take 2-3 weeks of self-study time to really make sure they understand the information that will be on the LEED Exam. They should have received a Certificate of Completion from their training provider, which will give them eligibility to register for the LEED Exam. It is within this time period that an individual is recommended to schedule their LEED Exam. Having a test date looming in the horizon is an especially high motivator.

LEED 2012: Faster, Cheaper, More Automatic

Since its inception in 1993, LEED has grown to include over 120,000 individuals from all over the world and has been used to build more than 3.6 billion square feet of space sustainably. The LEED certification and accreditation processes have greatly contributed to the growing interest – and ensuing standardization – of sustainable design in commercial buildings. However, now that LEED has become an industry norm, it seems reasonable to reevaluate the rating system and ensure that it is as effective as it claims to be.Having faced this issue in 2009, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) adjusted the LEED Rating System to accommodate the changing industry and meet the needs of individuals from all occupational backgrounds who wanted to learn about sustainability and green building. A little over two years later, the USGBC is having to consider making more changes to the LEED system. This time, the expected changes will be less about attracting new audiences and more about validating the effectiveness of the system as a whole.This discussion has come about as a result of engineers and project managers complaining that LEED points were too easy to achieve and sometimes did not make sense for the building’s overall sustainability. The LEED system may reward a larger number of points for a particular concept that has been integrated into the project, even when there are larger issues at hand that would benefit the building more. For example, many cited the fact that a bike rack earned points in a building that might have a faulty boiler. How can people take a building’s LEED certification status seriously if LEED project managers are only concerned with integrating attributes that will grant them the largest number of points?

It is with these concerns in mind that the USGBC is looking to develop its enhanced LEED Rating System, now being called LEED 2012. It is expected to launch in November and then go to USGBC members for a vote next summer.

One major update to the process is the addition of new technology and building practices that make real-time energy and water management commercially viable. The inability to track a LEED building’s energy savings over time has been a serious issue for those pursuing LEED Certification. For those investing so much time and money into the process, they need to be able to show documented proof that the investment was worth it. Similarly, building owners and project managers see the value in comparing their building’s energy savings to similar buildings in the area. The USGBC is working with a database called the Green Building Information Gateway, which allows an owner to tap into comparable data from similar buildings. Essentially, LEED 2012 aims to take LEED Certification to the next level.

These early predictions surrounding LEED 2012 demonstrate the USGBC’s dedication to sustainability and consumer satisfaction. It seems this revamped system will address much of the criticism that has come to surface in the last two years. We expect LEED 2012 standards to add value to a building’s LEED Certification status via post-certification reporting and new recertification requirements. We also want to commend the USGBC for acknowledging the changing needs of the industry and always striving for the most comprehensive and progressive green building standard.

6 Secrets for Passing the LEED Exam

You’re interested in becoming a LEED Green Associate because you hear it will further your career, teach you valuable concepts about green building, potentially inspire a raise or job promotion. The only problem is, you’ve heard the exam is difficult. Do not be daunted by what you’ve heard. Everblue has six fool-proof secrets for helping you pass the LEED Exam.

1. Commit to the Process. We don’t want you to be apprehensive about the LEED Certification process, but, to ensure your success, you will need to buckle down and focus. Becoming an accredited LEED professional takes time, energy, and mental determination. You will be taking in a lot of information, so you need to allot the appropriate amount of time to learn and comprehend the facts that will be on the exam. You should keep your eye on the prize, and don’t let anything get in the way of your professional development. We like to say that those who procrastinate never get around to becoming LEED Green Associates or LEED APs, so make a plan to achieve your goal!

2. Enroll in an Intensive Training Program. You can certainly study for the LEED Exam on your own. Of course, with that process, you may spend entirely too much time studying a concept that’s not on the LEED Exam and then ignoring the concepts you should be studying. You could also fall victim to distractions because you won’t be in a focused environment. It’s so easy to say that you’ll take a 15-minute break…and then you end up resting the remainder of your evening instead of studying. We have found that individuals who enroll in an intensive LEED training course actually save time because they are learning from industry professionals who have already passed the LEED Exam. Not only will a LEED training course provide information about green building, the LEED Rating System, and LEED credits, but a good training course will also prepare you for the format of the test and give you helpful test-taking strategies. Don’t risk having to take the exam multiple times – go ahead and learn from real LEED professionals in a live or online training course.

3. Set Your Exam Date. You should schedule your LEED Exam early on in your preparation process. Believe it or not, it’s much easier to sit down and concentrate on the task at hand when you have a deadline looming over your head. If you do not set an exam date in the near future, you will put off studying. With the amount of information that you’ll need to learn, it is not advised that you put off studying. We typically recommend 2-3 weeks of self-study time following your LEED training course. This time is meant solely to reinforce concepts learned in the class. You risk forgetting what you learned in class if you have no exam date to look forward to. You’ll feel way more motivated if you know you are scheduled to take the exam soon.

4. Utilize Study Aids. There are a number of study aids available for the LEED Exam. They range from electronic flashcards, practice questions, study sheets, iPhone apps, and sample practice exams. We don’t recommend that you use these materials as your primary study materials, but they certainly help to reinforce definitions and credits. Each LEED study aids were made to make studying fun and convenient, often times packaged in a way that you can take them “on-the-go.” This comes back to secret #1 and being committed; if you find that you don’t have time to study one night, work with some LEED flashcards while you are waiting in line at a restaurant or standing in the elevator. Every bit helps!

5. Take Practice Exams. After completing your LEED training course, you should be familiar with the format of the LEED Exam. You know that it’s timed and online. What better way to prepare than to actually put yourself in a scenario where you are timed and taking a sample test online? These LEED practice exams exist for this purpose. You want to walk into that Prometric testing center on exam day with complete confidence. You are already stressing about the kinds of facts that will be thrown at you – the last thing you want to worry about is the format of the test. Getting wrapped up with how many questions you can skip and whether or not those skipped questions will count against you will not only slow you down overall but will also affect your confidence and ability to concentrate on the importance facts of the exam. Do yourself a favor and practice with a sample exam!

6. Study with a Partner. You may be one of a few people in your office who are pursuing LEED Accreditation. It may be helpful to bounce ideas off one another. Peer study groups often provide encouragement and will help you stay on track. Just like some folks need workout partners to stay motivated, you might benefit from a LEED partner! There are multiple forums online where you can ask questions and interact with individuals who have passed the LEED Exam, worked on LEED projects, or who are also studying for the LEED Exam. LEED Accreditation is becoming an industry standard among building professionals; you don’t have to feel alone in the process.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to LEED success! Everblue has trained tens of thousands of individuals, from small businesses and non-profit organizations to large corporations and government entities. We created the first successful LEED training model and are proud to say that we have the highest pass rate in the country. We constantly update our proprietary curriculum based on changing industry standards and student feedback. As the largest Portfolio Educational Provider for the U.S. Green Building Council, trust us when we say we are the nation’s leader in sustainability training.

Good luck on your exam!

LEED Certification Takes Over Laguna Beach

Many people got a glimpse into the luxurious Laguna Beach lifestyle when MTV aired its reality show “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County.” The show followed a pack of dramatic, spoiled teenagers who spent their days lounging in bathing suits outside their million-dollar homes.

Laguna Beach is back in the headlines. This time for integrating sustainable features into new home construction projects. Mark Singer and Tresor Properties in Laguna Beach developed the first LEED-certified platinum home in the wealthy California county. They are currently working on another project in the area, also with the hopes of attaining LEED Certification.

The typical home in Laguna Beach is listed at approximately $15 million and has four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and 4,500 square feet of living space. Many of these homes also have the luxury of ocean views.

It is widely known that green buildings sometimes cost more money up front but that the homeowner can save loads of money over the life of the building through lower operating costs. With houses meeting the specifications listed above, it seems logical to build sustainably. Clearly the homeowners in this area can afford the upfront costs of a LEED-certified house. Later, they can enjoy the lower operating costs and therefore enjoy their extravagant lifestyles that much more.

Click here to learn more about LEED Certification.

Benefits of LEED Certification Training for Corporate Groups

Mark on the fourth floor is a LEED AP with the Building Design & Construction credential. How much impact do you think Mark has in his company if he is the only person LEED Accredited?

Any company developing a corporate sustainability strategy or working on a LEED Project should consider putting together a team of knowledgeable, experienced, and certified individuals. The impact from a group of LEED professionals is far more profound than the impact of one person. This team will be able to make better green building decisions that will likely satisfy more people and yield better results for the company.

In-house training is the most convenient and effective form of sustainability training you can get. An experienced instructor trains your employees on- site, on your schedule, and will teach exactly what you need. Avoid the hassle of organizing your employees’ schedules and transportation. Save everyone’s time by bringing in the trainer.

Companies and organizations of all sizes have engaged in corporate, in-house training. Such examples include Starbucks, Disney, U.S. Department of Energy, Ritz-Carlton, and the U.S. Air Force.

Learn more about LEED Certification Corporate Training.

Is LEED Certification Still Relevant?

The green building industry hit a high note in June 2009 when the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) converted its existing LEED Rating System to what is commonly called LEED v3. This new LEED Rating System created multiple tiers for individuals who are interested in sustainability and green building.

The early version of LEED allowed for only one credential: the LEED Accredited Professional (AP). This may have been sufficient in the early years of environmental sustainability, back in 2000 when the LEED Rating System was created.

Since then, building professionals have adopted more eco-friendly ways of doing their work. With sustainability becoming so widely accepted across many different occupations, the USGBC realized that they needed to adapt their LEED Rating System to accommodate the individuals who were seeking out the credential.

This spawned the birth of LEED v3, which now offers an entry-level credential to green building, called the LEED Green Associate. The next step is the advanced LEED AP with Specialty credential. Finally, the USGBC developed a LEED Legacy credential, which, to this day, is slightly undefined. The LEED Legacy credential has the potential to flourish; it is simply a matter of gauging the audience and determining who would qualify for such a title.

When LEED v3 took over in June 2009, the number of accredited individuals went through the roof. These new tiers for credentialing allowed for many more people to become involved in the LEED Certification process.

It’s been 11 years since the LEED Rating System was created. Let’s take a quick look at its effectiveness and current status:

• Is the LEED Certification Rating System meeting the expectations and needs of the green building professionals who seek out the credential? Yes, I’d say so. It speaks volumes that the USGBC adapted the entire process to accommodate its new and overwhelming audience.
• Is LEED Accreditation as popular as it was in June 2009? Yes, perhaps even more popular, since individuals from all occupational backgrounds can find a niche. It is not uncommon for lawyers, Realtors, students, and marketing professionals to pursue the LEED Green Associate credential due to their interest, and perhaps involvement, in green building projects. LEED is not just for architects!
• Is LEED Certification for buildings still relevant? Not only is it relevant, it’s basically common practice. To maintain marketability, facility owners and managers need to keep up-to-date on the latest green building trends. On any given day, I see at least 20 stories about a new building achieving LEED Certification. LEED is an internationally-recognized rating system and is still very much in the headlines and at the forefront of many building plans.

What is a Green Rater?

A Green Rater is a specific type of Home Energy Rater, which is a certified professional qualified to conduct home energy ratings on residential and small commercial buildings. Green Raters differ from other Home Energy Raters in that they are the only raters qualified to work with the Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes Program. Launched by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 2007, the LEED for Homes Program promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes.

To become a Green Rater, applicants must hold at least three years of experience in residential construction and have completed the LEED for Homes Program Review Series or earned the LEED AP Homes designation. Applicants must also have completed at least 12 hours of education covering green building strategies and the LEED for Homes Green Rater Training. Applicants must then pass the LEED for Homes Green Rater Exam which entails 85 multiple choice questions designed to asses an individual’s understanding of the LEED for Homes certification process.

Some Green Raters may receive their certification through an Advanced Track. These professionals have provided verification services on LEED for Homes projects prior to the availability of the LEED for Homes Green Rater Certificate. The Advanced Track requires completion of a single online learning unit prior to taking and passing the LEED for Homes Green Rater Exam

Upon passing the exam, all certified Green Raters must also complete the LEED for Homes Green Rater Mentorship program. This program requires the mentorship of a current Green Rater and Provider Quality Assurance Designee (QAD). After completing the mentorship program, Green Raters can begin providing verification services on LEED for Homes projects. Responsibilities include oversight of all verification services in addition to serving as a liaison between the USGBC and a project’s design team. Green Raters must also ensure that all Project Submittal Packages are complete and delivered to the appropriate QAD for any LEED for Homes projects seeking certification. For any residential building to receive the LEED for Homes designation, it must receive on-site verification from a LEED for Homes Green Rater.

 

Will LEED Training Help Me Get a Job?

An internationally acclaimed certification, LEED represents the streamlining of building efficiencies. With “green” initiatives on the rise, candidates carrying the expertise to implement cutting-edge construction techniques are being rapidly absorbed by the job market.

Simply put, the implementation of LEED standards makes money across the board. Construction companies leverage their improved expertise for higher fees, while consumers save big with long-run energy and waste savings. The value added to a building by LEED certification ripples into every faucet of construction and maintenance for decades.

What’s more, many projects receive real government dollars for meeting LEED standards. Grants, low-interest loans… even tax exemptions can be found for LEED registered projects around the country. More than just satisfying environmental niche markets, LEED-registered building has been known for both its short and long-term financial advantages.

Within a single company, the real value of a LEED certified employee may translate into millions in revenue. That’s why LEED training does just what it says—it puts candidates in the “lead” for each open position they apply to. HR managers that stumble across LEED certifications on a resume aren’t soon to forget it (or the effect that candidate can have on their bottom line).

For more information about giving your career an edge, visit Everblue.edu.

The Five Categories of LEED Certification (Actually it is LEED Accreditation)

When a professional is looking to earn an LEED AP with specialty, there are five categories he/she can choose from. The specialties include LEED AP Building Design and Construction, LEED AP Interior Design and Construction, LEED AP Building Operations and Maintenance, LEED AP for Homes, LEED AP for Neighborhood Development.

LEED AP Building Design and Construction involves new building projects and major renovation projects for existing buildings. Apartment buildings, office buildings, hospitals, and schools are all projects within this category. Green Interior Design and Construction focuses on tenants renting out part of a bigger space such as a LEED commercial interior within a larger office building or a LEED retail interior within a larger shopping complex. LEED AP Green Building Operations and Maintenance, the next specialty, focuses on the LEED requirements for existing schools and buildings. Making minor improvements and measuring various operations and maintenance projects are included in the specialty.

The fourth specialty, LEED AP for Homes, addresses single and multi-family residential structures that are three stories tall or less. This particular rating system was made public in 2008 and was modeled after the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star for Homes program. The final LEED rating system is LEED for Neighborhood Development, the first national program for neighborhood development. It focuses on green building on a larger scale, urbanism, and smart growth.

Everblue Training Institute currently teaches courses on Building Design and Construction and Green Building Operations and Maintenance since these are by far the most popular rating systems. It is important to note that Building Design and Construction encompasses much of the same material as Green Interior Design and Construction. Therefore, it may benefit you to take the Design and Construction course if you are interested in Interior Design elements.

For information on these specific courses offered by Everblue, please visit the LEED AP BD&C Exam Prep section of Everblue Training Institute.

The Little Steps to Getting LEED Certified

LEED certified buildings and communities are taking simple steps to be sustainable, water efficient, energy-saving, resourceful, and clean air places for everyone to enjoy. For a facility to be LEED certified, it must earn a specific number of points in a wide range of “green” categories. Earning these points is simple, but they add up to make a huge impact on our environment. If you’re looking to make a difference yourself, it’s so easy to be an energy-saver at home, at work, and within your community. And it’s important to know that many of the LEED point requirements take our help to work most efficiently.

For example, building within walking distance to public transportation earns a structure points towards LEED certification. By taking public transportation to these facilities, we can make this design element effective. Buildings can also install bike racks and changing rooms with showers to encourage people to bike to work and earn LEED points. But it’s up to us to utilize these facilities. If biking to your destination isn’t an option, driving more fuel efficient vehicles or low emitting vehicles can help. Some LEED certified buildings offer special parking spaces for these environmentally-friendly cars.

Buildings can also earn points towards certification by providing recycling options. Displaying specific containers for recyclable materials is an example of this. It’s our job as individuals, however, to actually use the provided receptacles. Material reuse is another way that recycling can earn a building points toward LEED certification, because it decreases the demand for new materials. What does that mean for us? The more we recycle as individuals, the more materials we have to reuse during the building process. These examples only scratch the surface of ways we can work with LEED to make it as effective as possible. The more we do to contribute individually, the better LEED works within the industry.

For more information on LEED or becoming LEED certified visit Everblue Training Institute, the nations leading experts on LEED training.