LEED Revamps Accreditation Program

According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), more than 75,000 people have earned the credential since its inception in 2001. Established in Jan. 2008, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) currently administers the accreditation program in conjunction with the USGBC and provides a third-party outlet in recognizing excellence in green building performance and practice for project certification and professional accreditation.

Beginning July 1, 2009, the LEED accreditation program is undergoing some major changes. The first change will identify three levels of green building knowledge for professionals. The basic knowledge for professionals desiring a non-technical accreditation will be known as a LEED Green Associate. The next level is LEED AP signifying an advanced understanding of green building practices and the final, most extensive accreditation is LEED Fellow.

The GBCI is still working on the credential system for LEED Fellow but according to it's website, "LEED Fellows would become part of an extraordinary class of leading professionals distinguished by their years of experience and contributions to the standards of practice and body of knowledge for achieving continuous improvement in the green building field."

Other changes to the LEED accreditation program include eligibility requirements for all levels of the exam system and the maintenance of credentials to ensure LEED professionals maintain a current knowledge base and understanding of green building practices. For more information visit http://www.gbci.org/.

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