Environmental engineers help minimize and manage waste and pollution, protecting the air, water, soil, and ourselves from harmful chemicals. LEED for environmental engineers is such a great fit because their primary interests, indoor air quality and waste management, align with many of the LEED certification requirements. 

If you want to learn more about LEED, visit our New to LEED? Start Here! section.

Environmental engineering – is a branch of engineering concerned with protecting people from adverse environmental effects, such as pollution, while also improving environmental quality. Environmental engineers work to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution. These professionals are dedicated to protecting human health and improving environmental conditions.

Environmental engineers may go by a number of names. Among all the options, the most common titles are Air Quality Environmental Engineer, Environmental Remediation Engineer, or Air Pollution Control Engineer.

LEED Certification & Environmental Engineering

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The LEED standards offer guidance on how to build, design, or maintain a healthy and energy-efficient building or home. In order for a building or home to earn a LEED Certification rating (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum), the structure must mirror a series of recommended “green” characteristics or strategies. These techniques are known as LEED credits, and these credits make up a number of categories.

Some of the LEED categories that align best with environmental engineering include:

• Materials & Resources
• Water Efficiency
• Energy & Atmosphere
• Indoor Environmental Quality

Because the LEED certification requirements revolve around public health and environmental performance, there is a strong correlation between the work that environmental engineers do in their daily responsibilities and the work needed to earn a LEED certification label. Therefore, environmental engineers with a LEED credential will be extremely valuable to LEED project teams who need to meet specific requirements in the above LEED credit categories. A knowledgeable environmental engineer will be able to efficiently and competently breeze through the necessary strategies to earn points on a LEED project.

How to Use LEED?

Because the interests of an environmental engineer are already factored into the scoring system used for LEED certification, environmental engineers can marry their work with a LEED credential and add value to LEED project teams. Their efforts can prove valuable for LEED BD+C (New Construction) building projects as well as LEED EB (Operations and Maintenance) projects.

Specifically, some of the ways in which environmental engineers can contribute to LEED projects include:

• Assisting with designs that minimize and control the entry of pollutants
• Performing diagnostic tests that measure outdoor air intakes
• Designing programs to separate and recycle solid waste
• Navigating environmental regulations and funding sources
• Designing and constructing systems that purify water
• Inspecting the environmental impact of a building site

Due to the range of knowledge that environmental engineers have, there is flexibility with this line of work in regard to LEED certification projects. When working on a LEED project, an environmental engineer may spend his/her time in an office planning designs or working onsite performing inspections.

An important role on any building project is to ensure systematic implementation and review of customized environmental and safety actions. Environmental engineers with LEED knowledge hold a natural leadership position in this regard and may also be responsible for communicating with a variety of technical and non-technical stakeholders on unique project specifications.

At the end of the day, it’s less about “what can LEED do for me?” and more about positioning one’s skill set as a LEED-accredited environmental engineer to meet demand. With LEED being the most popular green building certification program in the world, there is great demand for environmental engineers with LEED knowledge to contribute to projects. Thus, earning a LEED designation will make you more qualified to work on LEED projects.

Which LEED Credential Does an Environmental Engineer Need?

The first step for all LEED candidates is to pass the LEED Green Associate exam. Regardless of education, occupation, experience, or responsibilities, everyone must start at the LEED Green Associate level.

After passing the LEED Green Associate exam, an environmental engineer may choose to advance to any of these advanced LEED AP specialties: Building Design and Construction (BD+C), Interior Design and Construction (ID+C), or Operations and Maintenance (O+M). Given the intrinsic leadership qualities present in environmental engineers and their roles, it makes sense to upgrade to the LEED AP Specialty level and further demonstrate leadership on LEED projects.

Not to mention, LEED AP Specialty credential holders can add one extra point to the LEED projects on their specialty track simply by being a knowledgeable leader on the project. Anyone can contribute to a LEED project, but only a LEED AP with a Specialty can count their expertise in the way of a point. Because the LEED certification labels are delegated according to points earned, this extra point is a stealthy way to tip the scales to a higher certification!

To learn more about how YOU can gain LEED knowledge, give us a call at (800) 460-2575 or enroll in our popular LEED Green Associate Exam Prep course.

The LEED building commissioning process is a highly effective method to improve the performance of building systems and equipment. Coincidentally, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards have the same goal of improving building performance.

If you want to learn more about LEED, visit our New to LEED? Start Here! section.

Building Commissioning – the process of verifying that a building’s energy-related systems and equipment are installed and functioning as intended. Those energy-related systems include HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire safety, and sometimes building security systems and renewable energy systems. Commissioning offers quality assurance during all phases of new construction.

Buildings that are properly commissioned typically have fewer change orders, tend to be more energy efficient, and have lower operation and maintenance cost.

LEED Certification & Systems Verification

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) created the LEED standards over 15 years ago to promote sustainability-focused practices in the building and construction industry. These practices offer a holistic approach to green building, with recommendations that relate to water efficiency, materials and resources, indoor air quality, and more. The LEED Certification program honors buildings that were designed, built, and operated with efficiency in mind.

Having recognized the effectiveness and benefits that commissioning would provide in green buildings, the USGBC decided to include commissioning as a component in the LEED Certification process.

A commissioning agent with LEED knowledge will be able to help project teams meet the requirements of LEED Certification and earn points toward a higher LEED label.

Building Commissioning is addressed in the LEED Building Design + Construction (BD+C) Rating System, specifically in the Energy and Atmosphere section:

• Fundamental Commissioning and Verification – required prerequisite
• Enhanced Commissioning – can earn up to 6 points

Retro-commissioning is also identified in the LEED AP O+M: Existing Buildings Rating System in the Energy & Atmosphere section:

• Existing Building Commissioning – Analysis – can earn up to 2 points
• Existing Building Commissioning – Implementation – can earn up to 2 points
• Ongoing Commissioning credit – can earn up to 3 points

Commissioning is most commonly associated with energy savings but can also positively impact many of the other LEED credit categories.

One of the changes from LEED Version 3 to LEED Version 4 is that USGBC now requires that a commissioning agent be engaged by the end of the design development phase. In general, LEED v4 has placed an increased emphasis on bringing the entire team to the table earlier in the design process.

Because the LEED standards recognize the importance of building commissioning, there has been a growing market for commissioning services. It is important that commissioning agents understand LEED so that they can better provide their services to their clients.

How do Commissioning Agents Use LEED?

Becoming knowledgeable on the LEED requirements is vital for commissioning agents who wish to be successful in entering this rapid growth area. With so much commissioning work coming from LEED projects, having a commissioning agent that is experienced and well-versed with the LEED program makes the commissioning process go much more smoothly.

It is with this knowledge that a commissioning agent can understand the owner’s design intent easier and have an easier time reviewing designs and submittals in accordance with LEED guidelines.

Specifically, some of the ways in which commissioning agents contribute to LEED projects include:

• Reviewing design plans to ensure they meet owner’s objectives and LEED Certification requirements
• Providing commissioning services required by LEED Certification requirements
• Ensuring that equipment and systems are functioning at the efficiency level for which they were designed
• Scheduling site visits and tests throughout the construction cycle to ensure on-going efficiency
• Modifying control programs to enhance occupant comfort while reducing energy consumption and increasing operational efficiency

Which LEED Credential Does a Commissioning Agent Need?

First and foremost, all professionals interested in earning a LEED credential must first pass the LEED Green Associate exam. It is the first step for everyone.

After passing the LEED Green Associate exam, a commissioning agent will likely want to advance to the LEED AP BD+C or the LEED AP O+M specialty, as they are directly aligned with the values and services that he/she will be contributing to LEED projects. The only difference is whether the building in question is new or existing.

Because commissioning agents often work on LEED projects, the LEED AP specialty credentials themselves can actually add an extra point to the project in question. This is one of the benefits of having a LEED AP working on such a project. LEED Certification is based on the number of points a project earns, so it’s a no-brainer to have a LEED AP BD+C working on a LEED BD+C project or a LEED AP O+M working on a LEED O+M project.

To learn more about how YOU can gain LEED knowledge, give us a call at (800) 460-2575 or enroll in our popular LEED Green Associate Exam Prep course.

Image Source (Commissioning Process Overview): Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

There’s a natural correlation between LEED’s mission and the work of landscape architects. The latter has an innate interest in respecting the natural systems of a site while also optimizing the human experience. LEED Certification standards echo that mentality and support an enhanced human experience as well.

If you want to learn more about LEED, visit our New to LEED? Start Here! section.

Landscape architecture – the design of outdoor public areas, landmarks, and structures to achieve environmental, social-behavioral, or aesthetic outcomes. It involves the systematic investigation of the natural elements of a site, such as the climate, soil, drainage, vegetation, and slope of the land. Landscape architects also assess existing buildings, roads, walkways, and utilities to determine what improvements are necessary. At all stages, they evaluate the project’s impact on the local ecosystem.

LEED Certification & Landscape Architecture

Landscape architects are trained to think about landscapes as systems. The flow of water, the relationship to the greater watershed, and the interplay of light and local climate effects are all critical aspects of a site’s context.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards are designed in much the same way. The LEED standards offer guidance on how to design, build, or maintain an energy-efficient building or home. In order for a building or home to earn a LEED Certification rating (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum), the space must embody a series of recommended “green” characteristics or strategies. Those efforts are best described as LEED credits, and these credits comprise a number of categories.

Many of the LEED credit categories align with the interests of landscape architects and offer a comprehensive view of a given project scope.

Some of the LEED categories that align best with landscape architects include:

• Location and Transportation
• Sustainable Sites
• Water Efficiency

Landscape architects were doing sustainable work long before it became a popular concept. Much of their work centers on best practices driven by ecologically sound principles for vegetation, stormwater, material use, and microclimate effects.

How Do Landscape Architects Use LEED?

Because landscape design and maintenance are factored into the scoring system used for LEED certification, landscape architects can marry their knowledge with a LEED credential and add value to LEED project teams. Their efforts can prove valuable for LEED BD+C (New Construction) building projects as well as LEED EB (Operations and Maintenance) projects.

Landscape architects are frequently part of the design team for a LEED project, collaborating with clients, architects, and contractors. When a landscape architect holds a LEED credential, he/she is able to participate in the design process to support and encourage design integration as necessitated by the LEED standards. By also having knowledge of the LEED certification process, an accredited landscape architect can assist with LEED documentation activities.

Specifically, some of the ways in which landscape architects use LEED knowledge to earn points on LEED projects include:

• Designing green roofs
• Figuring out grading plans
• Practicing xeriscaping
• Using local plants that require less water
• Planning drainage channels to diffuse rainwater
• Recommending mulching projects

Interestingly, most people view landscape architecture as an afterthought. They think landscape architects simply decorate a site with trees and plants. Instead, landscape architects prefer to enter the scene in the beginning so that design considerations can be properly determined and budgeted. By joining a project in its beginning stages, landscape architects can collaborate with engineers and offer creative design ideas and services.

Which LEED Credential Does a Landscape Architect Need?

First, it should be noted that all LEED candidates must pass the LEED Green Associate exam, regardless of education, occupation, or experience. It is the first step for everyone.

After passing the LEED Green Associate exam, a landscape architect may choose to advance to the LEED AP Building Design + Construction (BD+C) specialty or the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (O+M) specialty. As you can imagine, these specialties dive deeper into the LEED Rating System and offer specific recommendations in line with a landscape architect’s interests and job responsibilities.

Not to mention, a landscape architect with a LEED AP Specialty designation can add an extra point to any LEED projects within the same rating system simply by participating. For example, a landscape architect with a LEED AP O+M credential can add one point to a project seeking LEED O+M Certification due to their qualified contributions. Given that LEED Certification is based on the number of points a project earns, this extra point is an easy and convenient benefit to having a LEED AP on the team.

To learn more about how YOU can gain LEED knowledge, give us a call at (800) 460-2575 or enroll in our popular LEED Green Associate Exam Prep course.

LEED Certification & Green Interior Design

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards offer guidance on how to design, build, or maintain an energy-efficient building or home. In order for a building or home to earn a LEED Certification rating (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum), the space must embody a series of recommended “green” characteristics or strategies. Those efforts are best described as LEED credits, and these credits comprise a number of categories.

Interior designers can share the same interest in these categories and therefore align their work with the LEED standards. By doing so, a “green” interior designer cultivates an indoor space that is better for the planet and its occupants.

Green interior designers can help their clients earn a LEED Homes Certification. With a LEED credential in tow, an interior designer can be an integral part of achieving that certification.

In such a project, a green interior designer can contribute to the following LEED categories:

• Water Efficiency
• Materials & Resources
• Energy & Environment
• Indoor Environmental Quality

Oftentimes, an interior designer will not have control over whole-building operations, so it is his or her job to look for opportunities inside that enable occupants to breathe easier and feel healthier and more productive. The LEED standards are very much concerned with indoor air quality and improved experience, so there is a strong correlation between green interior design and LEED.

How Do Interior Designers Use LEED?

Interior Designers with LEED knowledge can contribute to new home design as well as existing home design. In regard to the latter, they can help their clients make their homes as green as possible. Every little bit helps.

Specifically, some of the ways in which interior designers use LEED include:

• Choosing eco-friendly materials and finishes
• Sourcing local items
• Using responsibly harvested wood
• Reusing or repurposing vintage furniture
• Educating clients on which products emit harmful chemicals
• Helping clients get a better resale value on the home

Interior designers are skilled with making design decisions that are practical. LEED knowledge takes an interior designer’s strategy to the next level by thinking more in “big picture” terms. For example, it might seem “green” for a homeowner to choose a solid-surface countertop with lots of recycled quartz mixed in, but if the product was made overseas and has to travel a long distance to get there, it ends up being less sustainable than originally thought. A green interior designer will be able to identify these confusing situations and make more informed decisions.

Interior designers should be helping their clients make the healthiest design decisions possible, and LEED is the perfect addition to that skill set.

Which LEED Credential Does an Interior Designer Need?

First, it should be noted that all LEED candidates must pass the LEED Green Associate exam, regardless of education, occupation, or experience. It is the first step for everyone.

After passing the LEED Green Associate exam, an interior designer may choose to advance to the LEED AP Homes specialty or the LEED AP Interior Design + Construction specialty. As you can imagine, these specialties dive deeper into the LEED Rating System and offer specific recommendations in line with a green interior designer’s interests and job responsibilities.

• LEED AP Homes – for homes and multifamily lowrise as well as multifamily midrise
• LEED AP ID+C – for projects in the commercial interiors, retail, and hospitality sectors

A representative from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Texas Oklahoma Chapter indicated that their members work on projects of all scales, in addition to about 17% that work in residential. IIDA is the leading commercial interior design association. LEED Healthcare, LEED Interior Design and Construction, and LEED Building Design and Construction are also applicable to these interior designers and are the rating systems that they work toward on a daily basis.

To learn more about how YOU can gain LEED knowledge, give us a call at (800) 460-2575 or enroll in our popular LEED Green Associate Exam Prep course.

If you’re planning on earning a LEED credential and demonstrating your knowledge of sustainability concepts, your first step is to pass the LEED GA exam.

If you’re just getting started with LEED and want a better understanding of the LEED credential process, visit our New to LEED? Start Here! series.

Registering for the LEED Exam

Through your research of the LEED credential process, you’ll find that the LEED exams are managed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This means that all exam candidates must purchase their LEED exam directly from the USGBC.

The USGBC created the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, and they manage information about exam candidates and credential holders in their online portal.

Total Cost of Earning a LEED Credential

When you visit the USGBC website to register for your LEED exam, you’ll see a series of numbers representing the exam fee. It can be somewhat difficult to determine which number reflects the actual exam fee that you will be expected to pay.

We developed this handy cheat sheet to show how much the LEED GA exam costs whether you are a full-time employee of a USGBC Member company, a military veteran, a full-time college student, or a regular individual.

Regular Open Enrollment

Employees of USGBC Member Companies

Military Veterans

Full-Time College Students

As you can see, there are several ways that you can get discounts on the LEED exam (and LEED training). We should also explain these categories in slightly greater depth.

• Regular Open Enrollment – This is what that USGBC refers to as a “non-member.” Within the context of the LEED exams, a “member” is only someone who works for a USGBC Member Company in a full-time capacity. Individuals who are members of their local USGBC chapter are considered “non-members.” In essence, Regular Open Enrollment refers to anyone who is brand new to this industry. Many exam candidates will fall within this first category.
• Employees of USGBC Member Companies – This is the bolded number you see on the USGBC website. This category refers to an individual who works in a full-time capacity for a company that has paid a membership fee to support USGBC. You can search for your organization on the USGBC Directory.
• Military Veterans – The USGBC has partnered with the Veterans Administration to reimburse the LEED Green Associate and LEED AP exam fees. The VA will cover 100% of test fees per attempt, whether a candidate passes or not. Visit the VA website for more information. Candidates must apply for benefits and reimbursement.
• Full-Time College Students – The USGBC reduced the LEED Green Associate exam fee for college students in January 2016. Students must verify their student status by providing their school name, student ID number, and graduation date.

For further questions about LEED training discounts or the LEED GA exam, please open the chat window in the bottom right of your screen and chat now with a live representative. We also have staff available by phone – call us at (800) 460-2575!

To begin your LEED training efforts, enroll in a LEED Green Associate Exam Prep Course. We offer live and online training options to suit your schedule, budget, and learning style.

Last week, the New York City Council passed two laws – 701-A and 721-A – that amend the city’s current legislation about LEED Certification. These NYC LEED requirement laws now state that most new city buildings and major retrofits must achieve LEED Gold. This is an enhancement from previous legislation that required a minimum LEED Certified rating level for health and educational occupancies and a minimum LEED Silver rating level for buildings or spaces of all other covered occupancies.

If you’re just getting started with LEED, visit our New to LEED? Start Here! introduction.

The New York Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), called the Urban Green Council, has been actively proposing LEED legislation for over 10 years. It was in 2005 that the Urban Green Council’s Executive Director, Russell Unger, played a major role in drafting LL85, the aforementioned legislation in NYC that required LEED Certification for new city construction. The Urban Green Council began working with the NYC City Council on the 701-A and 721-A legislation over two years ago.

The Urban Green team noted that LL84, NYC’s energy benchmarking law, was crucial in providing energy data that led to the passage of these two laws. It was with this data that the NYC City Council set requirements for energy use on new city buildings and major retrofits; the new measure will require that energy use going forward be 50% less than existing levels. This is pretty significant! Impressive still, this decision is the first data-driven energy target in the country – a new type of metric that experts think will be necessary for us to achieve 80% carbon reductions by 2050.

Several cities across the country have mandated energy benchmarking, so it’s exciting to see how NYC has used this information to set forward-thinking goals. It’s certainly not enough to just monitor and measure energy use – the next step is to plan for reductions! We think this NYC LEED requirement is a great step.

It’s clear from this legislation that NYC legislators are committed to a new generation of hyper-efficient buildings. This decision will likely have worldwide implications, given the international reach of many NYC firms. Also, while not listed in 2015, New York rejoined the rankings of USGBC’s top 10 states for LEED Certification in 2016.