By Terry Moeller, AIA, LEED AP, COTE Chair
Just about a year ago I wrote about the then recently announced LEED V3, which was implemented starting in April 2009. Much of what had been announced at that time has been implemented, and as we approach the end of the year it seemed a good time to revisit the USBGC website (www.USGBC.org) and recap what has transpired. LEED V3 includes the rating system (LEED 2009), the project registration tool (LEED Online) and the credentialing process (LEED Professional Accreditation.) In addition, the USGBC has assigned management of credentials and certifications to the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), whose website can be accessed from the USGBC website.
LEED 2009
LEED 2009 currently includes the following rating systems/rating guides:
- LEED for New Construction/Green Building Design & Construction
- LEED for Core & Shell/Green Building Design & Construction
- LEED for Schools/Green Building Design & Construction
- LEED for Commercial Interiors/Green Interior Design & Construction
- LEED for Existing Buildings/Green Building Operations & Maintenance
The USGBC website lists the following rating systems/rating guide addenda as under development or in pilot program status:
- LEED for Healthcare/Green Building Design & Construction
- LEED for Retail/Green Building Design & Construction
- LEED for Existing Schools/ Green Building Operations & Maintenance
- LEED for Retail Interiors/Green Interior Design & Construction
LEED Online
The project registration and information entry process is now completely on‐line, and the USGBC website boasts that it is a vastly improved tool. More information is available on the website.
LEED Professional Accreditation
The new program currently has three levels of accreditation; LEED Green Associate, LEED AP+ and LEED AP. The new Green Associate and AP+ accreditations include bi‐annual renewal fees and continuing education requirements, which the USGBC is calling “credential maintenance.” The AP accreditation is forthose who were credentialed under earlier versions of LEED that choose not to become credentialed as AP+, and (as I read the information on the website) does not require a renewal fee or continuing education.
- LEED Green Associate – This is the first level of accreditation and according to the GBCI website is “For professionals who want to demonstrate green building expertise in non‐technical fields of practice, GBCI has created the LEED Green Associate credential, which denotes basic knowledge of green design, construction, and operations.”
- LEED AP+ – According to the GBCI website, “The LEED AP credential will continue to signify an advanced depth of knowledge in green building practices; it also will reflect the ability to specialize in a particular LEED Rating System. The LEED AP exam is divided into two parts. The first part is the LEED Green Associate exam, which demonstrates general knowledge of green building practices. The second part is a specialty exam based on one of the LEED Rating Systems.”
- LEED AP: Becoming an AP+ – Those who were accredited under older versions of LEED may sign up for the LEED AP+ designation until Summer 2011 and receive the specialty designation that is most related to the test they originally took. The renewal and continuing education requirements will then apply.
- LEED AP: Remaining an AP – The GBCI website notes that if you are a legacy LEED AP and you do not enroll in the new program “You will be designated a LEED AP without specialty in the LEED Professional Directory.” It does not appear a renewal fee or continuing education requirement will apply.
- LEED AP Fellow – This is an elite level of accreditation that is still being developed. It appears it may not be rolled out until after 2010.
As always, the latest information is available at the USGBC website. For those of you who are USGBC members or belong to member firms, there are some free archived webinars available under the Education tab on the website.
As you may know, the AIA does not endorse any one rating system. However, I hope the above is helpful for those of you interested in the USGBC LEED rating system and their professional accreditation program.
We are hoping to continue to grow participation in COTE in 2010 and would welcome any of you who would like to become active. If you are interested, or would simply like to offer suggestions, please contact the Chapter office.