The LEED system is attractive and applicable to anyone with an interest in sustainability, making it the perfect time to become LEED accredited.

Here’s a list of ten reasons why you should become LEED accredited:

1. LEED has instant name recognition. Upon becoming accredited, you join a growing group of over 100,000 professionals worldwide who have become LEED-APs. The popularity of LEED with clients and professionals alike means that no one will wonder what that acronym after your name means. They’ll know and respect it.

2. You’ll have a needed skill set to work on LEED projects. Having taken the exam, you will have a valuable base of knowledge that can help you qualify for new job opportunities. If you take a class, you’ll also gain a new network of other LEED APs to draw upon.

3. The green economy is growing fast. Your LEED AP credential will help you stand out from the competition for projects in a tough market, especially in this rapidly expanding new sector of the economy. If you are out of work or seeking a change of direction, getting LEED-accredited will help you take the next step.

4. You’ll know how to save your clients’ money. More and more clients, of all types, are choosing to apply for LEED certification as they realize the kind of impact that LEED certification can have on their project’s bottom line. You’ll be able to give the valuable input a client needs.

5. Your actions will benefit the environment. With the growing concern and attention towards the environment, wouldn’t it be nice to be able do your part? Knowing the LEED certification system, and having a LEED accreditation, will allow you to do that for a living.

6. LEED has become an industry standard. Many employers in the building industry expect job candidates to have LEED certification. It is no longer an exception; it is the norm.

7. LEED will play a part in transforming your career. By positioning yourself to being educated on sustainability, you are giving yourself a leg up on contributing to your own area of expertise. LEED is being discovered by real estate professionals, lawyers, and others who find that adding it to their repertoire is taking their careers in new directions.

8. LEED’s use continues to spread. The listing of cities nationwide requiring LEED on new construction continues to grow. That means that your accreditation could be a key to participating in important projects in your area. Local governments will be receptive to your accreditation as they look for leaders who can help them go green.

9. As a system, LEED continues to evolve. The introduction of LEED version 4 has helped the system become more responsive to local conditions, and new education requirements will help keep your knowledge up to date. Getting accredited now opens the door to participating in a growing, international dialogue about sustainability!

10. Your employer may pay for you to take the exam. Recognizing the value of a LEED-trained workforce, many public authorities and companies in the building industry will pay for the course, exam and accreditation fees for their employees. In other words: your boss will approve, and it might be free!

Are you ready to advance your career as a LEED Green Associate? Start today!