A simple question from a NECA member of “what LEED AP certification is the right one for electrical contractors?” got me looking at what’s new in all things LEED today. And I’m really glad I checked things out.
USGBC just wrapped up a total overhaul of the LEED accreditation process for both people and projects, with several structural changes to both programs. (USGBC also recently launched the Building Performance Initiative, designed to put in place a comprehensive data collection effort from all buildings that have achieved LEED certification.)
For starters, the LEED Version 3 accreditation process is now managed by the Green Building Certification Institute, www.gbci.org. Some associations are developing their own green building certifications, such as the National Association of Home Builders’ National Green Building Program. However, LEED is still the acknowledged green building standard most recognized by building owners, occupants, and managers.
For electrical contractors wondering how to proceed with LEED Accredited Professional (AP) status, there is not a specialty/electrical contractor version of the LEED AP exam. But there are now several variations on AP certification (links below will take you to category descriptions):
- Operations + Maintenance
- Homes
- Building Design + Construction
- Interior Design + Construction
- Neighborhood Development [available 2010]
There’s also a cool new category called LEED Green Associate for non-technical construction types who know a lot about green building. The old categories of LEED AP — New Construction, Commercial Interiors, and Existing Buildings – don’t exist any longer, but can be transitioned to a new specialty tier status.
On first look, it seems like most NECA members would benefit from the Building Design + Construction or the Operations + Maintenance certifications. Candidate handbooks for both can be downloaded from www.gbci.org. LEED accreditation is a complicated process, but the website breaks things down easily. Much of the LEED AP exams focus on demonstrating an understanding of the LEED project accreditation process.
For now, I’m planning to apply and study for the LEED Green Associate accreditation in 2010. For contractors, LEED Green Associate could be a foot in the door on green building projects since it demonstrates a basic understanding of green building principles. Unfortunately, it won’t count toward LEED design on a project, but it’s a start.
What the building owner wants is a LEED accredited building. To get that, he needs to have LEED APs working on the project, so that LEED AP certification should be an electrical contractor’s ultimate goal.
Anyone out there want to be study buddies for the LEED Green Associate exam? Let me know in the comments.