Kingston, NY— Green Education Services, an accredited EPA Lead Certification training provider, recently announced that its training contract with the Ulster County Health Department to provide free EPA Lead Renovator training and certification for contractors and home renovators in New York has been extended for another year.
Effective April 2010, the Lead Renovator Certification, issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is now required for contractors who perform renovations, repairs, or painting that disturb lead paint in housing, schools, and day care centers built before 1978. The 8-hour training course emphasizes lead-safe work practices, and concludes with a short certification exam.
In the first year of the contract between Green Education Services and Ulster County, the program trained and certified over 250 individuals on lead-safe practices.
The 1-day course will continue to be held monthly in Kingston, NY through March 2014, and registration is open to anyone interested in earning the EPA Lead Safe Certification for Renovations. Pre-registration is required to secure a guaranteed seat in class. With questions and to register, contact Green Education Services at 1-800-355-1751 or visit www.FreeLeadCertification.com.
About Ulster County Department of Health
Ulster County Department of Health is pro-actively engaged in pursing Ulster County Executive Mike Hein's goal of making Ulster the healthiest county in New York State. As a full service public health agency, Ulster County Department of Health works to improve the health and well being of Ulster County residents through innovative prevention outreach and education initiatives, clinical services, patient care, food and water safety, lead poisoning prevention, tobacco marketing enforcement and emergency preparedness.
NCARB Announces Reduced Fees For Broadly Experienced Architect (BEA) Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact: Amanda Pica, NCARB Communications
Washington, DC - The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) recently approved for a new fee schedule for the Broadly Experienced Architect (BEA) Program, which provides an alternate path for U.S. licensed architects who do not hold a professional degree from an accredited program to fulfill the education requirement for NCARB certification.
Under the new structure, the fees will be capped at the current rate of $5,000 to avoid increasing the fee for individuals with deficiencies in multiple subject areas. Fees will be assessed only for the area of education deficiency determined through an education evaluation by the NAAB. Previously, applicants were required to pay the entire $5,000 BEA fee to resubmit any part of the dossier. In this new structure, the applicant will only be assessed the fee associated with the deficient subject area(s).
Washington, DC - The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) recently approved for a new fee schedule for the Broadly Experienced Architect (BEA) Program, which provides an alternate path for U.S. licensed architects who do not hold a professional degree from an accredited program to fulfill the education requirement for NCARB certification.
Under the new structure, the fees will be capped at the current rate of $5,000 to avoid increasing the fee for individuals with deficiencies in multiple subject areas. Fees will be assessed only for the area of education deficiency determined through an education evaluation by the NAAB. Previously, applicants were required to pay the entire $5,000 BEA fee to resubmit any part of the dossier. In this new structure, the applicant will only be assessed the fee associated with the deficient subject area(s).
“While the Council heavily subsidizes the BEA Program, it remains cost-prohibitive to an architect applying for certification through this path,” stated NCARB CEO Michael J. Armstrong. “This change will especially benefit applicants who have been unsuccessful in meeting all program requirements upon dossier review.”
About NCARB
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ membership is made up of the architectural registration boards of all 50 states as well as those of the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB assists its Member Boards in carrying out their duties and provides a certification program for individual architects.
NCARB protects the public health, safety, and welfare by leading the regulation of the practice of architecture through the development and application of standards for licensure and credentialing of architects. In order to achieve these goals, the Council develops and recommends standards to be required of an applicant for architectural registration; develops and recommends standards regulating the practice of architecture; provides to Member Boards a process for certifying the qualifications of an architect for registration; and represents the interests of Member Boards before public and private agencies. NCARB has established reciprocal registration for architects in the United States and Canada.
About NCARB
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ membership is made up of the architectural registration boards of all 50 states as well as those of the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB assists its Member Boards in carrying out their duties and provides a certification program for individual architects.
NCARB protects the public health, safety, and welfare by leading the regulation of the practice of architecture through the development and application of standards for licensure and credentialing of architects. In order to achieve these goals, the Council develops and recommends standards to be required of an applicant for architectural registration; develops and recommends standards regulating the practice of architecture; provides to Member Boards a process for certifying the qualifications of an architect for registration; and represents the interests of Member Boards before public and private agencies. NCARB has established reciprocal registration for architects in the United States and Canada.
Green Project Management (GPM) Joins GreenEDU Training Network
"GPM's programs empower individuals and organizations to look at project management through the lens of sustainability, and that is exactly in line with the type of training we look to support," commented GreenEDU Founder, Zachary Rose. "We look forward to a collaborating with GPM to help bring further awareness to its mission."
Participants in GPM's programs are challenged in a case study driven environment to apply new techniques to real-life situations and foster collaborative learning. GPM's popular training on PRiSM™, a project delivery method that ensures objectives are met in accordance with corporate sustainability goals, is offered internationally and online.
"Establishing partnerships with organizations who share the vision to advance sustainable development is a core focus for us," stated GPM President Joel Carboni. "GreenEDU is a unique organization as they promote best of breed training and development programs. From Environmental Sciences to LEED Training, they are a one stop shop for sustainability learning. Having GreenEDU as a strategic partner for Sustainability in Project Management training is a great opportunity for us to further advance our courses in the US Market as well as abroad."
About the GPM
Formed in 2009, GPM® is a global professional development organization dedicated to the advancement of the practical application of sustainable project management practices that decouple social and environmental degradation from economic growth. GPM® accredits professional training organizations and project management practitioners and is largely considered the global solutions leader with their professional certifications and project delivery method PRiSM™. GPM® training is currently being offered in over 60 countries through training providers and universities. To learn more about GPM® visit www.greenprojectmanagement.org.
About GreenEDU
Green Education Services (GreenEDU) connects building design and construction industry professionals with world-class sustainability, worksite safety, and environmental sciences training. With an expansive training provider network that reaches over 300 cities across the US, as well as internationally and online, GreenEDU provides students with immediate access to convenient, quality, affordable training by top-notch local instructors.
LEED Officially Recommended for Federal Buildings By GSA's Green Building Committee
GSA stated that the Committee considered the following when forming a recommendation:
- GSA's Green Building Certification System review report evaluating green building certification systems
- Interrelationships among green building certification systems and recently promulgated green building standards (i.e. ASHRAE 189.1 and the IGCC)
- Federal high performance building design, construction and operations requirements
- Metrics to inform building performance tracking and reporting
- Consideration of cost effectiveness: how high performance in buildings can reduce the total cost of ownership
- Public listening sessions were held to solicit verbal and written feedback from stakeholders as the review group considers the topics outlined above.
The recommendation is also supported by a recent study completed by The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), which found that GSA LEED certified buildings used 25 percent less energy than the national average and cost 19 percent less to operate. GSA first evaluated certification systems in 2006, when it identified LEED certification to be used in the Federal sector.
GSA first evaluated green building certification systems in 2006, focusing on new construction and major renovation. LEED was recommended at that time as well for use in the Federal sector.
Filling out the EPA's Firm Application for Lead Renovation through CDX
As we take more and more calls in our office pertaining to the EPA's Firm Application for Lead Renovations, we have come to realize that the steps to complete this process online may not be clear to everyone in the field. Therefore, we have taken the time to list these steps out below so you may speed up the processing time of your application, which is essential to EPA RRP compliance.
When sending the Firm Application in as a hard copy, it can take EPA up to 90 days to process and return it to you. However, when using the EPA's Central Data Exchange (CDX), you can speed this process up significantly - we have heard of contractors getting their applications back in as little as 2 weeks! The only caveat involved with using this system is that while you may access it through any computer, you will only be able to submit and sign the application online when using a PC. The CDX system will unfortunately not work properly on a Macintosh.
So if you are working with a PC, simply follow the steps below to save yourself time - and also so you do not lose any business waiting for an application in process!
When sending the Firm Application in as a hard copy, it can take EPA up to 90 days to process and return it to you. However, when using the EPA's Central Data Exchange (CDX), you can speed this process up significantly - we have heard of contractors getting their applications back in as little as 2 weeks! The only caveat involved with using this system is that while you may access it through any computer, you will only be able to submit and sign the application online when using a PC. The CDX system will unfortunately not work properly on a Macintosh.
So if you are working with a PC, simply follow the steps below to save yourself time - and also so you do not lose any business waiting for an application in process!
- Go to: https://cdx.epa.gov/
- Click on the green 'Register with CDX' button below the log-in area on the home page.
- Agree to the terms & conditions and click 'Proceed'
- This will take you to the "Core CDX Registration" Process
- Step 1 (Request Program Service) - Choose 'LEAD: Lead-Based Paint Program'
- Step 2 (Request Role Access) - Choose from the dropdown 'Firm Certification Application'
- Step 3 (Provide User and Organization Information) - Part 1 is setting up the log-in information for the user (password, username, security questions), Part 2 is either searching for and picking your company's profile on CDX, or, asking them to create one for you.
- Step 4 (Confirmation) - Confirm all information that was entered is correct and finish the registration process (this is typically done through a confirmation email that is sent to the address you put down in Step 3)
- If you or your company was not registered in CDX previously you will have to verify your identity for the EPA before being able to log-in to your account.
- This can be done in one of two ways - Either by filling out a paper form and sending it to the EPA (in Fairfax, VA) or by using the service provided by LexisNexis to confirm your identity online. Both of these options are given when you click the confirmation link that is emailed to you (mentioned above in Number 4, Part D)
- Once access is set up and confirmed you will log-in to CDX, fill out the firm application and make the payment for your firm.
NCARB's New ARE Practice Programs Service - A Must Read If You Are An Architect Taking Your ARE Exams!
Released by NCARB:
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is pleased to announce a new ARE practice programs service that allows users of 64-bit Windows operating systems and Macs to access the practice programs.
At just $10 for an annual subscription, the new cloud-based service provides easy, affordable, and unlimited online access to the practice programs. In addition to the paid service, the practice programs remain available for FREE download – see details below.
CUSTOMERS ARE EXCITED ABOUT THE SERVICEIn a recent survey of those who beta tested the service, more than 75 percent of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that the service would be a valuable resource. Here’s a sampling of their feedback:
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is pleased to announce a new ARE practice programs service that allows users of 64-bit Windows operating systems and Macs to access the practice programs.
At just $10 for an annual subscription, the new cloud-based service provides easy, affordable, and unlimited online access to the practice programs. In addition to the paid service, the practice programs remain available for FREE download – see details below.
CUSTOMERS ARE EXCITED ABOUT THE SERVICEIn a recent survey of those who beta tested the service, more than 75 percent of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that the service would be a valuable resource. Here’s a sampling of their feedback:
“As a Mac user, this option is a lifesaver.”
“This service is essential—please continue to offer it!”
“Much easier than downloading the software...very convenient.”
“Make it available ASAP!”
“Thank you! A very welcome addition…please keep this service.”
For less than $1 a month ($10 annually), you will have unlimited online access to the practice programs, an invaluable resource for preparing for the ARE. You can subscribe to the service by doing the following:
- Log into My NCARB, and click the “Add” button for the ARE practice programs.
- Follow the instructions on the next page to subscribe to and purchase the service.
- Once your payment has been submitted, you’ll be directed to the ARE Practice Programs Access page, which provides login instructions, including your username and a password.
- Remote Desktop software is required to access this service. It comes standard on most computers, and instructions are provided in My NCARB and on NCARB.org on how to download for free if necessary.
FREE PRACTICE PROGRAMS REMAIN AVAILABLEIn addition to the new paid service, the ARE practice programs remain available for free download and will work on an IBM PC or compatible computer running Windows 98, Windows XP, Windows NT, or Windows Vista 32-bit. Candidates who do not wish to subscribe to the cloud-based service—and who are using a 64-bit machine running the Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate editions—should be able to create a virtual machine to install the various practice programs. Learn how to install a Virtual PC here.
Learn more about the service by reviewing the FAQs on NCARB.org.
EPA Takes Action Against Violators of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule
Released by the US EPA on 05/02/2013:
The RRP rule protects homeowners and tenants from dangerous lead dust that can be left behind after common renovation, repair, and painting work. It requires that contractors and subcontractors be properly trained and certified, and use lead-safe work practices to ensure that lead dust is minimized. Lead exposure can cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities to seizures and death, putting young children at the greatest risk because their nervous systems are still developing.
“Using lead-safe work practices is good business and it’s the law,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA is taking action to enforce lead rules to protect people from exposure to lead and to ensure a level playing field for contractors that follow the rules.”
The enforcement actions address serious violations of the RRP rule, including fourteen actions where the contractor failed to obtain certification prior to performing or offering to perform renovation activities on pre-1978 homes, where lead is more likely to be present. Other alleged violations included failure to follow the lead-safe work practices, which are critical to reducing exposure to lead-based paint hazards.
The 17 enforcement actions listed below include 14 administrative settlements assessing civil penalties of up to $23,000. These settlements also required the contractors to certify that they had come into compliance with the requirements of the RRP rule. Additionally, EPA filed three administrative complaints seeking civil penalties of up to the statutory maximum of $37,500 per violation. As required by the Toxic Substances Control Act, a company or individual’s ability to pay a penalty is evaluated and penalties are adjusted accordingly.
Enforcement actions:
· Groeller Painting, Inc. of St. Louis, Missouri.
· Albracht Permasiding and Window, Co. of Omaha, Nebraska.
· Midwest College Painters, LLC of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
· ARK Property Investments, LLC of Richmond, Indiana.
· Henderson & Associates Services of Largo, Florida.
· Home Resources Management, LLC of Columbia, Tennessee.
· Camaj Interiors & Exteriors of Jacksonville, Florida.
· Cherokee Home Improvements, LLC of Church Creek, Maryland.
· Window World of Harford located in Belair, Maryland.
· EA Construction and General Contracting of West Chester, Pennsylvania.
· Roman Builders of Morton, Pennsylvania.
· Accolade Construction Group, Inc. of New York, New York.
· PZ Painting of Springfield, New Jersey.
· Creative Renovations of Brooklyn, New York.
· Reeson Construction of Webster, New Hampshire.
· New Hampshire Plate Glass Corporation of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
· CM Rogers Handyman of Manchester, New Hampshire.
More information about the settlements: www.epa.gov/enforcement/waste/cases/lrrp050213.html
Contact Information: Dale Kemery (news media only) Kemery.dale@epa.gov 202-564-7839 202-564-4355
· Albracht Permasiding and Window, Co. of Omaha, Nebraska.
· Midwest College Painters, LLC of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
· ARK Property Investments, LLC of Richmond, Indiana.
· Henderson & Associates Services of Largo, Florida.
· Home Resources Management, LLC of Columbia, Tennessee.
· Camaj Interiors & Exteriors of Jacksonville, Florida.
· Cherokee Home Improvements, LLC of Church Creek, Maryland.
· Window World of Harford located in Belair, Maryland.
· EA Construction and General Contracting of West Chester, Pennsylvania.
· Roman Builders of Morton, Pennsylvania.
· Accolade Construction Group, Inc. of New York, New York.
· PZ Painting of Springfield, New Jersey.
· Creative Renovations of Brooklyn, New York.
· Reeson Construction of Webster, New Hampshire.
· New Hampshire Plate Glass Corporation of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
· CM Rogers Handyman of Manchester, New Hampshire.
More information about the settlements: www.epa.gov/enforcement/waste/cases/lrrp050213.html
Contact Information: Dale Kemery (news media only) Kemery.dale@epa.gov 202-564-7839 202-564-4355
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