The City of Chicago is making strides to improve its sustainability efforts. The City Council passed an ordinance requiring buildings in the city to compare energy consumption to other similar-sized buildings and allow the city government to make these findings publicly known. For Chicago, buildings over 50,000 square feet will be monitored and included in the reports.
To measure consumption, the city will use Portfolio Manager, a free online service the US Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) created. With this system, the information is automatically sent to the City where it is then reviewed by whomever the city has appointed for a three-year term--such professionals include an engineer or an architect. From there, the city will compile the data and release an annual report, tentatively set for January 2015 to allow time to gather the appropriate information.
The EPA's Portfolio Manger has proven to be a successful tool for energy management. A previous project showed businesses saving 7% on energy form 2008--2011. Analysts project if Chicago and save 5%, they will have an investment of $250 million. This investment is expected to help the environment by cutting emissions, while also creating jobs in the city, which will help by improving the economy and business revenue.
Current Chicago mayor, Rahm Emanuel, proposed this idea to the Council. It is expected to impact the city positively by creating jobs and helping the environment. According to Mayor Emanuel, the initiative will improve "Chicago’s growth as a capital for green jobs by arming building owners, real estate companies, energy service companies and others with the information they need to make smart, cost-saving investments.”
The bottom line is to assess the current energy situation so improvements can be made and the saved capital can be invested in other areas.
There is huge support for this new ordinance, and about 80 organizations in the city are in favor of measurement because they believe it is a step in the right direction for green buildings and energy consumption. There is also national attention from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, who have teams in each continent to take action against greenhouse gas emissions.
Other cities in the US have seen success with the Portfolio Manager, including New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, Boston, Seattle, Austin, and San Francisco. California and Washington participate statewide in this initiative.
Green Education Services is pleased to hear that Chicago is making such great strides to consider ways to save energy. Of the many classes we offer, we have a webinar about Introduction to Energy and Atmosphere, which provides an overview of the kinds of issues Chicago is going to monitor. To register for this class, please visit http://www.greenedu.com/introduction-to-energy-and-atmosphere-webinar-courses.
GreenEDU Trainer Spotlight: AEHS, Inc.
AEHS, Inc. provides environmental consulting services in San Antonio, Texas. They currently provide a wide range of courses including EPA Lead Certification, Asbestos Certification, and Hazardous Materials training. They have served San Antonio for 18 years and continue to provide their students with quality education and excellent customer service. They strive to offer students training that will allow them to be successful in consulting while staying safe and saving money.Students have praised the instructors in previous courses. Jeff R. commented, "[The instructor] was passionate and insightful in his presentation of what is often confusing and contradictory government regulations. It's dry material and his commitment to the environment infused the class with meaning. The hands on portion was surprisingly effective in pulling together the information. I am currently involved in two projects which require my certification. I was able to thoroughly and confidently communicate to my clients the risks of exposure, what we are doing to minimize that, and most importantly, why it is worth the cost."
Nathaniel J. agreed, stating, "The information was comprehensive, easy to follow and not overwhelming. The delivery of the material was great. [The instructor] did a very good job overall getting us prepared."
AEHS currently has several upcoming courses in San Antonio. Some of the training courses they currently offer include:
- Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor
- Asbestos Worker/Handler
- Asbestos Inspector
- Asbestos Management Planner
- EPA Lead Renovators Certification Initial
- Lead Abatement Supervisor Refresher
- Lead Abatement Worker Refresher
- HAZWOPER 8 Hour Refresher
They offer several initial and refresher courses in multiple disciplines. Additionally, they offer EPA Lead Renovators Certification Initial training in both English and Spanish to meet the needs of their students.
AEHS offers several courses for asbestos certification. One of their most popular courses is the Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor course. The Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor training is for any individual who performs supervision of persons permitted to enter the restricted and regulated asbestos abatement work area. The supervisor is also responsible for performing the duties of the OSHA competent person for the asbestos project, consistent with current EPA and OSHA regulations. Training for asbestos abatement professionals is required under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA), which is the authority under which EPA issued the EPA Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan.
About AEHS, Inc.
Since 1995, AEHS, Inc. has offered a full range of environmental, occupational health, safety, consulting and training services. Based in San Antonio, AEHS works with clients in both the public and private sector throughout the State of Texas including hospitals, municipalities, private industries, school districts, and military installations. Specifically, AEHS' personnel have conducted research on the health effects of asbestos exposure, and have testified before Congressional Hearings on asbestos. Additionally, they have been the primary advisors to the Surgeon General of the Army and effected over 40 changes to the current OSHA regulation on asbestos, 29 CFR 1926.1101 Asbestos in the Construction Industry. The San Antonio Business Journal continues to list AEHS, Inc. on its list of the Largest Environmental Engineering and Testing Firms. AEHS' professional experience and expertise provides our clients with the resources necessary to complete the project successfully, within budget, and on time while reducing risk and liability.
For more information and registration, please visit http://www.greenedu.com/aehs-inc
USGBC Shares Insight on Member Companies and Chapters
USGBC recently reported that its company members work in and are part of a community of 13,000 organizations that support green building through their every day actions in sustainability. Member companies are geographically universal and include a strong network of support across nearly every type of industry. USGBC relies on its company members to help move the green building industry forward. USGBC offers four membership levels that represent different engagement and commitment levels: Organization, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The average length of an organization's USGBC membership is five years.
USGBC chapters also play a great role in advancing USGBC's mission, by implementing education and LEED certification training, and connecting with media and policymakers. Green building councils are also forming around the world to lead change for better buildings and education. They consist of full-time staff members and volunteers to drive their projects forward. The total number of USGBC chapters is currently at 77, with 29,955 members and 139 staff (part time or full time). The USGBC chapter community has created a presence in all 50 states and countless local communities. Many professionals in a wide variety of industries utilize the sustainable building knowledge and resources provided by these local USGBC chapters.
To date there are ten chapters in the Pacific region, nine in the west region, 16 in heartland region, five in the south-central region, 11 in south-east region, eight in Florida-Caribbean region, seven in upper north-east region and 11 in north-east corridor region. Local USGBC chapters are critical because they create educational, advocacy-related and community based events that support the growth of green building in their geographical areas.
For 2013, USGBC chapters focused on the following areas:
USGBC recently highlighted some of its local chapter activities taking place across the U.S.:
For more information on USGBC's LEED green building rating system, and to learn how you can join the sustainable design movement, visit www.greenedu.com/leed-certification.
USGBC chapters also play a great role in advancing USGBC's mission, by implementing education and LEED certification training, and connecting with media and policymakers. Green building councils are also forming around the world to lead change for better buildings and education. They consist of full-time staff members and volunteers to drive their projects forward. The total number of USGBC chapters is currently at 77, with 29,955 members and 139 staff (part time or full time). The USGBC chapter community has created a presence in all 50 states and countless local communities. Many professionals in a wide variety of industries utilize the sustainable building knowledge and resources provided by these local USGBC chapters.
To date there are ten chapters in the Pacific region, nine in the west region, 16 in heartland region, five in the south-central region, 11 in south-east region, eight in Florida-Caribbean region, seven in upper north-east region and 11 in north-east corridor region. Local USGBC chapters are critical because they create educational, advocacy-related and community based events that support the growth of green building in their geographical areas.
For 2013, USGBC chapters focused on the following areas:
- 64% established common ground around green schools
- 60% implemented better building codes
- 58% provided green building tour
- 52% have leadership with LEED
- 47% working towards State Capitol Advocacy Day
- 38% highlight green homes
- 37% improve energy data access
- 37% mainstream building benchmarking
- 32% promote healthy and efficient affordable housing
USGBC recently highlighted some of its local chapter activities taking place across the U.S.:
- Urban Green Council published a green building plan to introduce to NYC's next mayor to move the green building movement in New York further.
- Detroit Region and Western Michigan Chapters worked simultaneously to plan a successful USGBC green schools event at the AIA Green Schools conference in Lansing, Mich. on June 25, 2013.
- The Missouri Gateway Chapter launched their High Performance Building Initiative to increase square footage of third-party verified green space in the St. Louis region, and secured 18 local business signatories to the initiative.
Chapter membership has also been shown to help professionals develop other important skills, such as strengthening their leadership and managerial skills. Membership also provides networking opportunities with fellow chapter members across the country, access up-to-date USGBC education and resources, and resources to help make a strong impact in their community.
For more information on USGBC's LEED green building rating system, and to learn how you can join the sustainable design movement, visit www.greenedu.com/leed-certification.
Green Education Services Partners with NeoCon East To Offer Pre-Expo LEED Training
These two green-initiative businesses partner to promote education and new ideas.
September 13, 2013- New York City--Green Education Services (GES), a Manhattan-based green jobs training firm, announces their partnership with NeoCon East, an influential design expo, as they co-host a preparatory course, LEED Green Associate Exam Prep, on October 15, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The class kicks off NeoCon East’s 11th annual trade show at The Baltimore Convention Center on October 16-17, 2013.
Green Associate is the introductory-level credential for LEED, and demonstrates a general understanding of all the LEED rating systems. GES’s interactive, collaborative LEED Green Associate seminars provide an introduction to green building and sustainable design principles, specifically as they relate to USGBC's LEED green building rating systems.
The seminar combines important primary sources into an accessible, comprehensive workshop, creating a focused and organized study path for exam candidates.The goal is to prepare individuals to pass the LEED Green Associate exam on the first attempt, which is the first step in becoming a LEED professional.
This is a wonderful partnership that allows green design professionals an opportunity to further their credentials while experiencing the innovative industry ideas and products the conference is featuring.
To register for the training, please visit http://www.greenedu.com/20569--leed-green-associate-exam-prep-md-baltimore or call 646-564-3546 and one of our representatives will be happy to assist in enrollment.
Green Education Services (wwww.GreenEDU.com) provides building design and construction industry professionals with world-class sustainability, energy efficiency, and LEED® certification training. With an expansive training network that reaches over 300 cities across the US, as well as internationally and online, GreenEDU provides students with access to convenient, quality, affordable training by top-notch instructors.
Contact:
Irelyn Akers
Marketing and Media Intern
iakers@greenedu.com
646-564-3546
###
September 13, 2013- New York City--Green Education Services (GES), a Manhattan-based green jobs training firm, announces their partnership with NeoCon East, an influential design expo, as they co-host a preparatory course, LEED Green Associate Exam Prep, on October 15, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The class kicks off NeoCon East’s 11th annual trade show at The Baltimore Convention Center on October 16-17, 2013.
Green Associate is the introductory-level credential for LEED, and demonstrates a general understanding of all the LEED rating systems. GES’s interactive, collaborative LEED Green Associate seminars provide an introduction to green building and sustainable design principles, specifically as they relate to USGBC's LEED green building rating systems.
The seminar combines important primary sources into an accessible, comprehensive workshop, creating a focused and organized study path for exam candidates.The goal is to prepare individuals to pass the LEED Green Associate exam on the first attempt, which is the first step in becoming a LEED professional.
This is a wonderful partnership that allows green design professionals an opportunity to further their credentials while experiencing the innovative industry ideas and products the conference is featuring.
To register for the training, please visit http://www.greenedu.com/20569--leed-green-associate-exam-prep-md-baltimore or call 646-564-3546 and one of our representatives will be happy to assist in enrollment.
NeoCon East has made its trademark as the premier design exposition and conference for commercial interiors on the East Coast, with a special focus on showcasing products on the GSA schedule. Hear more than 30 CEU-accredited programs and keynote speakers, engage in networking events and discover new building resources, materials and products first hand.
Green Education Services (wwww.GreenEDU.com) provides building design and construction industry professionals with world-class sustainability, energy efficiency, and LEED® certification training. With an expansive training network that reaches over 300 cities across the US, as well as internationally and online, GreenEDU provides students with access to convenient, quality, affordable training by top-notch instructors.Contact:
Irelyn Akers
Marketing and Media Intern
iakers@greenedu.com
646-564-3546
###
USGBC Makes Strides in Green Efforts Data Collection
The U.S. Green Building Council broke news last week that they’ve been able to compile figures about each state and their various green initiatives. All 77 chapters of USGBC assisted in collecting the data.
Some of the highlights include:
Green Education Services’ home state of New York boasts 11,417 LEED Professionals, 757 LEED Certified commercial buildings and 1,591 LEED Certified residential units.
Here are additional highlights from other leading states:
California
All of these states are pulling together with the aim to improve the sustainability of building projects. Next year, they hope for increased figures, moving towards a greener America.
To review your state’s standings from USGBC's data, click here.
Some of the highlights include:
- Approximately 4.3 million U.S. residents live and work in LEED-certified buildings
- Sources show LEED-rated properties are worth more than those properties that are not LEED-rated and that people searching for properties are more likely to rank LEED-certified buildings on the top of their desirables list
- Solar panels will shortly return to the roof of The White House after 32 years
Green Education Services’ home state of New York boasts 11,417 LEED Professionals, 757 LEED Certified commercial buildings and 1,591 LEED Certified residential units.
Here are additional highlights from other leading states:
California
- Ranked #1 in total LEED commercial buildings
- The state has 5995 LEED certified residential units
- In terms of land, CA has 316 LEED certified square feet
- Ranked #2 in total LEED commercial buildings
- They have 9650 LEED professionals
- Ranked # 7 in total LEED commercial buildings
- The state has 8635 LEED professionals
- LEED Certified K-12 and Higher Education projects: 114
- Ranked #13 in total LEED commercial buildings
- They have 6324 LEED professionals
- 486 LEED certified commercial buildings
All of these states are pulling together with the aim to improve the sustainability of building projects. Next year, they hope for increased figures, moving towards a greener America.
To review your state’s standings from USGBC's data, click here.
Green Education Services proudly offers classes in numerous green initiatives including LEED Exam Prep, Green Building Continuing Education, and Energy Efficiency, just to name a few. If you or members of your company need certification in these fields or in another discourse, please visit our website for further details.
Man Sentenced to 14 Months in Jail After Lying About Lead-Based Paint Certification
Portland, OR- This past July, Vancouver, Washington resident Martin Glaves Kuna, age 66, was sentenced to 14 months in prison after he plead guilty to one count of wire fraud. Kuna deceived his customers by stating he was certified to perform lead-based paint inspections and testings. He worked in homes where children resided despite the fact that he did not have the proper certifications from the state. Kuna advertised his services from 2008 to 2012, stating he was qualified to perform lead-based paint inspections. He performed over 10 inspections during this time.In 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency passed the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act in an attempt to protect children who resided in homes with lead-based paint. Children, when exposed, can experience a variety of negative side effects, including loss in IQ, poor memory, and seizures. Studies have shown that children and adults exposed to lead are more likely to become involved with crime and murder.
Without the proper training, inspectors may endanger the lives of the residents in the homes they are inspecting. Kuna inspected a home where children were present and informed the owner that there were no lead dangers where hazardous lead was indeed present. Children in several of the homes Kuna inspected experienced an increased in their blood lead levels.
In 2012, EPA investigators told Kuna he must stop his work since he lacked the required training and certification. Kuna, however, ignored the EPA and continued to falsely advertise his skills.
U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon told Kuna in his trial, "The bottom line is, the actions you engaged in put children at risk. Our society just cannot allow that."
In Washington, to become a Certified Lead Inspector individuals must attend a 24-hour approved training course, and register with the Washington State Department of Health for $25. A third party exam must be passed to secure a Lead Inspector license. The Inspector must also work for a Certified Firm, which requires that every three years the company must register with the state as well for $25. Certified Firms must meet the current minimum requirements of the department of labor and industries regarding a surety bond and insurance, or have a liability, errors and omissions, insurance policy in the minimum amount of five hundred thousand dollars.
Want to become certified to work with lead-based paint? GreenEDU offers initial and refresher courses so that you can earn and maintain your certification! Register for a course in your area!
An Inside Look At LEED Accredited Professionals
The green building industry continues to expand and become more mainstream in the United States and globally, significantly due to a growing number of professionals who have trained in green building practices and are advocates for the movement. Many of these professionals have earned a LEED credential to designate their expertise. These credentials include the LEED Green Associate; LEED AP (Accredited Professional) with Specialty; and LEED Fellow. The professionals who have achieved these designations cross-path a variety of careers from mechanical engineering to marketing. The green building movement recognizes a LEED credential as one that will continue progress and enhance the sustainability, safety, and security of buildings. Buildings that are LEED-certified have been proven to be higher in value and because of the effort and education involved in becoming green.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was created by U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is a voluntary, consensus-based, and quantifiable rating system for green building. LEED has become the most popular and widely recognized green building rating system in the world. LEED can be applied to individuals and buildings but LEED Accreditation is for individuals while LEED Certification is for buildings.
Here are the descriptions of the various certificates and designations for the LEED Professionals Movement:
LEED Green Associate
A LEED Green Associate demonstrates a solid and current foundation in green building principles and practices.
LEED APs with Specialty
Advanced knowledge in green building as well as expertise in a particular LEED rating system.
LEED Fellow
A LEED Fellow denotes highly accomplished individuals nominated by their peers. LEED Fellows are LEED Aps with Specialty who have more than 10 or more years of experience in professional green building.
In order to become a LEED AP you must pass both the LEED Green Associate and a specialized LEED Accredited Professional Exam. Each LEED exam is 2 hours long and is comprised of 100 multiple choice questions. It is scored on a scale of 125 to 200 with 170 being a passing grade. The allotted time for each exam is 2 hours.
USGBC reports that there are currently 186,476 total LEED Professionals, including LEED Green Associates, LEED APs with specialty, and LEED APs without specialty. There are 187,428 total LEED credentials held, including the total number of credentials held by LEED professionals, many of whom have earned more than one credential.
Earning a LEED credential allows one to be a leader in a variety of different industries, from architecture to electrical engineering. Architecture remains the most common profession of LEED accredited professionals with 28,905 credential holders, with Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, and Interior Design rounding out the top five sectors.
The top ten locations for accredited LEED professionals are:
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was created by U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is a voluntary, consensus-based, and quantifiable rating system for green building. LEED has become the most popular and widely recognized green building rating system in the world. LEED can be applied to individuals and buildings but LEED Accreditation is for individuals while LEED Certification is for buildings.
LEED Green Associate
A LEED Green Associate demonstrates a solid and current foundation in green building principles and practices.
LEED APs with Specialty
Advanced knowledge in green building as well as expertise in a particular LEED rating system.
LEED Fellow
A LEED Fellow denotes highly accomplished individuals nominated by their peers. LEED Fellows are LEED Aps with Specialty who have more than 10 or more years of experience in professional green building.
In order to become a LEED AP you must pass both the LEED Green Associate and a specialized LEED Accredited Professional Exam. Each LEED exam is 2 hours long and is comprised of 100 multiple choice questions. It is scored on a scale of 125 to 200 with 170 being a passing grade. The allotted time for each exam is 2 hours.
USGBC reports that there are currently 186,476 total LEED Professionals, including LEED Green Associates, LEED APs with specialty, and LEED APs without specialty. There are 187,428 total LEED credentials held, including the total number of credentials held by LEED professionals, many of whom have earned more than one credential.
Earning a LEED credential allows one to be a leader in a variety of different industries, from architecture to electrical engineering. Architecture remains the most common profession of LEED accredited professionals with 28,905 credential holders, with Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, and Interior Design rounding out the top five sectors.
The top ten locations for accredited LEED professionals are:
- California: 11,881
- New York: 5,997
- Texas: 5,071
- Illinois: 4,650
- Florida: 4,620
- Virginia: 3,670
- Georgia: 3,223
- Massachusetts: 3,196
- Pennsylvania: 2,972
- Colorado: 2,949
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