The designated buildings that take exceptional steps towards sustainable architecture are standing for "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.A set of standards to help building owners or builders decrease their environmental impact is provided by the U.S. Green Building Council.You can learn how to navigate the LEED process if you want to become a professional.
Step 1: Understand the credentialing progression.
There are three tiers for individual certification in the LEED v3 process.No matter what path you take in green building, you need to become a Green Associate in order to get certification.The basics of the green building rating systems are covered in the GA exam.
Step 2: If you know the qualifications, you can become a certified.
You must be at least 18 years old.The Green Buildings Council recommends that you have an educational background in environmental design in order to have experience with green building practices.internship experience on green building projectsVolunteer work with green building certifications.
Step 3: The handbook for the green associates is available for download.
The comprehensive book on testing, registration, certification, and frequently asked questions is available for free on the LEED website.
Step 4: If you want to take the green associate exam, you have to apply.
The test is administered all over the country.You have to apply online to register for the test.You will be asked to find an exam center near you and schedule an appointment to take the test.The cost of the exam is $250.There is a $50 rebate for previous members.
Step 5: You have to study for the exam.
You can attend a class, purchase the official exam book, or take the online course through the Building Council.You'll need to memorize a lot of standards and facts if you want to pass the GA test.There are practice problems and links to suggested study materials on the website of the Green Building Council.You can find tutoring opportunities near you by searching online.A 5-hour course starts at $300.
Step 6: The types of questions on the test are known.
The test consists of 100 questions and is taken electronically.You should know the types of questions the test will ask, no matter how you study, because this is simply remembering and reciting facts and building codes taken straight from the exam prep book.You will be given a problem and asked to solve it using familiar theories and practices of green buildings.You have to break down complex problems and figure out a solution that accounts for multiple relationships, theories and interactions within a building.
Step 7: Take a test.
You will not be allowed to take the test if you don't have a valid photo ID.You will be given 100 questions to answer within two hours at your testing center.You can return to later if you want, but you have to answer all of them.You will be given a score when you are done.You have to score to pass.A 10 minute break will be given midway through the test.
Step 8: If you have passed, make a copy of your certification.
You will get a link to print a copy of your new certification when you pass the Green Building Council exam.You can legally refer to yourself as a LEED Green Associate on official documents.
Step 9: You need to retain your Green Associate certification.
To become an Associated Professional, you must be a LEED GA.The knowledge that the AP's have of one area of the certification allows them to work on complicated projects and systems.
Step 10: You need to know which certificate to get.
There are five specific LEED AP certifications, each with their own test, eligibility, and requirements.Plans and builds green structures in any sector.Management and operations.Existing structures can be updated to be more sustainable.Construction and interior design.Make indoor spaces more productive and healthy by designing and building them.Neighborhood development.Large living spaces are developed as comfortable neighborhoods.Specializes in designing healthy, durable homes with minimal waste and efficient energy consumption.
Step 11: You need to register for the test.
The test is administered all over the country.You have to apply online to register for the test.You will be asked to find an exam center near you and schedule an appointment to take the test.You can take both the GA test and the AP test at the same time.
Step 12: You should study for the test.
There are different requirements to pass a test.If you need to take a class, be sure to buy the correct study materials for the test a few months in advance.The exam prep guides can be found on the website.
Step 13: Take the exam.
You will not be allowed to take the test if you don't have a valid photo ID.You will be given 100 questions and given two hours to answer them.You can return to later if you want, but you have to answer all of them.You will be given a score when you are done.You have to score to pass the test.A 10 minute break will be given midway through the test.
Step 14: Continuation of your education is required to maintain certification.
AP's need to prove they have earned 30 continuing education hours every 2 years to maintain their credentials.This can include classes or building projects.You will have to take the test again after two years if you don't document your hours.
Step 15: Know the minimum requirements for the certification.
If your building is eligible, you need to know if you'll get a member of LEED to certify it.If a building is a permanent structure and meets local building codes, it is eligible to be certified.New neighborhoods, building upgrades, and complete remodeling projects can all be certified.
Step 16: Determine what type of project you need certified for.
Neighborhoods, renovations, and homes are all different processes.Building Design and Construction professionals do each certification.Any newly constructed building that meets the requirements is certified.Management and operations.Certifies improvements to buildings that make them more efficient.Construction and interior design.Certifies interior designs as efficient and healthy.Neighborhood development.Certifies design and planning.Certifies individual homes as efficient in their energy use.
Step 17: You should understand the credit system.
Your building's "LEED Score" includes everything from solar panels to light pollution reduction.There is a list of potential credits in the library.Discuss potential LEED credits with your architect and designers to maximize your project's green efficiency as you plan your building.You need 40 credits to become certified."building water metering" is required to become a LEED certified credit.Buildings can achieve higher certifications, such as Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points) or Platinum (80+ points).
Step 18: Take the advice of certified professionals.
Associate Professionals are trained to help you plan, design, and build projects.They have to pass rigorous exams to continue their education.When starting a project, look for the title "LEED AP" next to any builder or designer you hire.There is a specific field that each AP specializes in.O+Ms are trained to work on improvement projects.
Step 19: You can apply online for a certification.
This process takes several months and requires you to build up credits for specific projects that contribute to your building's efficiency score.You need to create a U.S. Green Business Council account.Register your project.If you are certifying multiple buildings at the same time be sure to apply for group certification.Documentation of the credits you apply for.
Step 20: Know the deadline for the certification of the green building.
The deadlines are published online by the Green Building Council.
Step 21: Work with the US Green Building Council in the review process.
You will get a review of your application within 25 to 30% of the time.Either you accept the review or make changes to the proposal.The proposal will be reviewed again if you don't resubmit it.You can appeal if you are denied.