New LEED credentials available (July 2009)

Industry professionals seeking further credentials in the green building industry can now test for the new LEED Green Associate credential or the LEED Accredited Professional Operations and Maintenance credential through the Green Building Certification Institute, Washington, D.C. The LEED Green Associate credential represents the demonstrable knowledge and skills needed in the allied professions and non-technical fields of practice related to green design, construction and operations. It is also the first step for professionals if they later choose to become LEED AP. “LEED APs have become a force for change in the building industry,” said Peter Templeton, president of GBCI. “The new LEED Green Associate credential will recognize professionals who possess the core green building knowledge to help bring about market transformation in related disciplines in the workforce.” The LEED AP O+M credential recognizes the advanced knowledge in sustainable operations and specialized expertise in best management practices required for greening existing buildings. Attaining the LEED AP O+M credential is a two-part process requiring a candidate to pass the LEED Green Associate exam as part one to demonstrate general knowledge and then pass a second operations and maintenance specialty exam.