Why Green?
Green building strives to improve design and construction practices, so buildings built today will last longer, cost less to operate, and create healthier and more productive environments for workers and residents.
In the last couple of years, factors such as rising energy costs, a growing awareness of the damage done to our planet, and the potential health risks inherent in traditional building methods have helped propel green building into the mainstream. As a result, the demand for green has grown exponentially:
- Homeowners are requesting green features be incorporated into their construction and renovation projects
- Building owners are requiring green design in their RFP’s, and seeking LEED certification for their projects
- Professional firms are seeking qualified LEED consultants, or encouraging employees to achieve LEED AP certification
- Federal, state and local governments are developing legislation and guidelines mandating the greening of new and existing buildings, and offering tax incentives to those who build green
Green Depot’s trained product specialists have been working with design and building professionals for years, helping to spec out green materials and systems for jobs of all sizes. Call or email us TODAY to find out how we can take your traditional building spec and “flip it green.”
Why Build Green?
Although the building market has edged lower over the last few years, the green building sector has continued to grow, regardless of the general market climate. This recent surge in green building has created a new and robust market for design and building professionals, and those firms that understand and embrace this movement stand to profit in many ways:
- Increased revenues from both new and existing clients (who can be urged to green existing structures)
- New consultancy opportunities (LEED AP, high-efficiency energy or water systems experts, green product specialists, etc.), as green expertise is still in short supply at most professional firms
- Employee attraction and retention, as young designers are interested in green design and firms that practice those principles
- Recognition as a leader in your field
- A true point of differentiation, resulting in a distinct market advantage
Whether you’re new to green building, or are a seasoned veteran, Green Depot can help you stay up to date with the latest in green news and events. We can also help you connect with other professionals in your area through our Green Depot 360 Network, with peer-to-peer forums and referrals to local green building projects.
Working Green
Research has shown that 83% of designers feel an overwhelming responsibility to offer green solutions to their clients, though only 17% actually do so. This discrepancy is blamed on a “lack of information,” and clearly illustrates one of the biggest problems facing professionals looking to break into the green building sector today. As such, building and design professionals need to become quickly informed to succeed in this rapidly growing marketplace, through:
- The LEED Professional Accreditation certification process
- Continuing education workshops and seminars
- Attending green conferences, trade shows, and other events
- Joining specialized green trade organizations and the U.S. Green Building Council
- Staying up to date on the latest green news and developments
Whereas, 4 or 5 years ago many were skeptical about the feasibility of building green, the success of standards like the USGBC’s LEED and the growth of green mandates have proven that green is the “construction standard for the future, and the smart solution for today.” Becoming a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) – or sponsoring an employee for certification – can help professionals succeed in this new arena, and is a smart way to:
- Build market share in the green building sector and cash in on the trend ahead of the curve
- Strengthen your qualifications when responding to RFP’s requiring LEED AP’s
- Bolster your firm’s position as an industry leader
- Help to promote awareness of the environmental issues that we all face, and to support USGBC’s mission of transforming the built environment
Become a LEED AP
The LEED Professional Accreditation process arms building professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully support and encourage the integrated design process, and to steward projects through the LEED certification process. To achieve certification, a LEED AP must demonstrate a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles, and familiarity with LEED requirements, resources, and processes.
More than 40,000 professionals have achieved LEED AP certification since the program was launched in 2001. And though all professionals are encouraged to achieve certification, and there are no prerequisites for taking the LEED AP exam, the USGBC does recommend that professionals possess certain qualifications.
In late 2007, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) debuted as the USGBC-backed LEED AP certifying body. GBCI currently offers three exam tracks to earn accreditation, though you need only pass one exam track to become a LEED AP:
- LEED for New Construction (LEED-NC), version 2.2 – for professionals participating in the design and construction phases of green commercial, institutional and high-rise buildings
- LEED for Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI), version 2.0 – for professionals participating in the design and construction of green commercial spaces and tenant improvements
- LEED for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB), version 2.0 – for professionals working to implement sustainable practices in the operation and maintenance of existing buildings
USGBC offers a comprehensive LEED AP Candidate Handbook to assist in the certification process, with information about registration, exam scheduling, exam preparation, and more. LEED Accredited Professionals are awarded with a LEED AP certification, and are given a listing in the USGBC online LEED Accredited Professionals directory. Find out more from the GBCI website.
The LEED certification process can present challenges – even for LEED Accredited Professionals. Green Depot’s team of product experts can help guide you through the process, with a wealth of information and know-how to make your job a lot easier. Call or email us NOW to find out how we can help you get the job done right.
