More than 1,300 green building professionals have signed up to participate in the LEED Credentialing Maintenance Program (CMP) since it was launched in early August, according to the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). The maintenance program, which supports the LEED AP and LEED Green Associate credentials, ensures that LEED professionals in the field are up to date with the most relevant and useful information by requiring a commitment to ongoing participation in green building project, learning and service activities.
"Since the program's launch on Aug. 3, we've seen a steady upward trend in enrollment," said Arnold Kee, BGCI's continuing education manager. "Professionals who are keeping up with the rapidly evolving knowledge base of the green building industry by enrolling recognize the competitive advantage they'll gain. As businesses learn that their pursuit of sustainability leads to innovation and increased efficiency, they will need professionals that can help them reach that goal. In turn, GBCI will help the business community meet that need -- by credentialing LEED professionals who are ready to work and innovate."
In May 2009, GBCI implemented a number of changes and enhancements to the LEED professional credentialing program, including the introduction of the LEED Green Associate and specialties within the LEED Accredited Professional program to better reflect market practice areas. LEED AP specialty programs include operations and maintenance, homes, building design and construction, and interior design and construction. The specialty for neighborhood development will be available in 2010. The specialties allow LEED professionals to differentiate themselves in the market and focus on specific areas of expertise or practice.
A number of activities qualify to earn LEED credential holders credit toward credentialing maintenance. Those activities include continuing education as well as the practical application of LEED on green building projects and active participation in the green building community. A CMP Guide is available at www.gbci.org that outlines CMP-eligible activities and the requirements for maintaining all LEED professional credential programs.
Enrollment is available at no charge to those LEED APs who have passed one of the retired exams. Invitations to enroll in CMP are being sent out to these credential holders from August to October according to a schedule published on the GBCI website. All newly credentialed professionals are automatically enrolled when they pass the LEED Green Associate or LEED AP specialty exam. Enroll at http://www.gbci.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=201.
