The US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program offers credentials for architects, interior designers, and building operators to work in sustainable construction. The Green Building Certification Institute grants LEED designations, including LEED Green Associate, LEED AP, and LEED Fellow, which require studying materials and passing exams. LEED AP has different tracks for operations and maintenance, design and build, homes, interior design, and neighborhood development. Professionals must take follow-up courses to maintain their designation.
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has created guidelines for green building called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). LEED designations, also known as credentials, were developed for architects, interior designers and building operators to be certified to work in the field of green or sustainable construction. The LEED Acredit Professional (AP) designation is a mid-level LEED certification.
The entity that grants LEED designations is the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED credentials include LEED Green Associate, LEED AP and LEED Fellow. Green building professionals who want LEED credentials must study materials and pass different exams. There is a fee for each course and exam. Candidates working for a USGBC-owned company are eligible for discounted exam fees.
Construction professionals who want a LEED AP credential must first pass the LEED Green Associate exam. This designation indicates a basic knowledge of green building, operations and building design. To continue in the LEED credential program, there are several LEED designations available for different studies or special trails. Professionals can take each track and exam together, or one at a time.
The operations and maintenance track of LEED AP focuses on running existing green buildings efficiently. The LEED AP Design and Build designation is for professionals who want to specialize in the design and construction phases of green buildings. To further focus on designing green buildings that use less energy and generate less waste, a LEED AP Homes designation is also available.
There are two additional designations for commercial and large-scale projects. The LEED AP Interior Design credential is for professionals who want to design and build commercial and office buildings. For those looking to create eco-friendly neighborhoods, the LEED AP neighborhood development track may be the best choice.
Green building professionals can obtain study materials for all USGBC courses. Candidates should contact GBCI for information on how and where to schedule each exam. On the day of the LEED test, candidates must bring valid photo identification to the test location. If you apply for the USGBC discount, your company membership number must also be provided on the day of the exam.
As with most majors, LEED building ideas and requirements can change over time. New specialty courses can be added. Individuals who have acquired the LEED AP credential must take follow-up courses to maintain this designation. These professionals can also step up and apply for the next-level, LEED Fellow designation.
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