Green Building Academy

Fire Fighting Training- A Great Profession and an Even Better Career

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 04:54:00 +0000

Fire fight has been a very popular and enduring profession. It is one of those jobs that that have an air of nobility and pride that remains in society's high regard. Fire fighters have a certain quality that makes them seem like super heroes, in more reasons than one: they are modern day heroes risking life and limb to keep citizens safe from unforgiving fires. A lot of people aspire to be firemen but not all prove to have the required amount of skill and dedication to handle the job properly.

Fire fighters go through a rigorous amount of Fire fighting training in Chennai before they can qualify for the job. They are subjected to many difficult tasks to make sure that they do not risk their lives and the lives of others when they are on the field. They are educated on the use of various fire fighting tools and techniques that prove invaluable in emergency situations. Fire fighters are also trained to be very efficient emergency response units always ready to handle any situation at any given time.

Fire fighters are trained to handle certain tools important for the completion of their jobs. They are adept in medical techniques and the use of medical equipment especially those used to administer first aid. They are taught how to user fire arms in case they need to help in peace keeping. Of course they are fully trained in using fire safety and firefighting equipment such as fire trucks, fire hoses, fire axes, ladders, etc. They are also trained to use fire proof and fire retardant equipment like asbestos lined clothes.

Contrary to popular belief, the fire fighters of today do not only respond to fires, they are emergency response units deployed anytime an emergency happens. Their skill set is no longer limited to fire fight; they are also skilled medics who can administer refined first aid techniques that have been proven to save lives. Fire fighters are called to action in a variety of emergencies aside from fires; they are deployed to help out in motoring accidents, natural disasters, even in peace keeping situations.

Becoming a fire fighter has a lot of requirements. The physical demands of the job are heavy so aspiring fire fighters should be well built with excellent health records. Fire fighters should also be very analytical and have good problem solving skills. Most of all aspiring fire fighters should have an almost infinite amount of patience, discipline, and resiliency to stress. Fire fighters are constantly exposed to sensitive and dangerous situations so it is important that people who aspire to have a career in fire fighting be strong willed and courageous.

Getting a job as a fire fighter is a great way to earn a living and also give back to the community. There are so many reasons why fire fighters have earned the right to be considered modern day heroes.

For more details visit us @ Fire Fighting Training in Trichy

Source: essentialfiresafety.co.uk

LEED Green Associate - An Exciting New Green Career

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 04:18:00 +0000

In today's economy, people consider themselves pretty lucky if they have a job that will pay them enough so they can make ends meet. When it comes to finding a job that they like that can make them feel good about themselves, they normally don't even consider this an option. This is a shame since there are many new opportunities that are part of the green economy. You have probably heard about the green economy and have ignored it because you figured it was just more political speak. You should know that the green economy is a real thing. There are new occupations dedicated to energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. These new jobs also offer much opportunity for high pay and big promotions. This is nowhere more true than in the building and design profession. If you want to get involved, you should consider becoming a LEED Green Associate Study Guide.

The LEED Green Associate is the first level of LEED certification. LEED is a rating system that is used to determine how energy efficient a building is. This system is more than just a simple checklist. It is a whole new way of looking at buildings. LEED professionals will analyze heating and cooling systems, hot water distribution, insulation, storm water mitigation, and even access to public transportation. This is serious work that allows raters to change buildings for the best.

One of the great things about becoming a LEED Green Associate Training is that you will find a whole new world of opportunity. Clients and employers in the design field want LEED professionals on their team. Think about it this way. Energy is money. Therefore, if you help clients save energy, you are helping them cut down on cost. This is a valuable skill to have. You will also want to be aware of how good certification looks on your resume. It shows that you are part of the future solution and that you can take your career into your own hands. These are great qualities in the eyes of any employer, regardless of profession.

In order to take the LEED Green Associate, you first have to go through the training. The training will teach you everything you need to know to pass the certification exam.

For more details visit us @ Green Building Academy

Source: http://www.everblueenergy.com

LEED Exam Preparation to Become LEED Professionals to Build Green

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 02:39:00 +0000

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a professional program that supports and provides builders with the knowledge necessary to build successful green building designs and construction projects. The rating system was first introduced in 2001 with an LEED exam that examine individuals on their knowledge of green building practices, as well as LEED requirements and processes. Individuals who are seeking to get certification and become an LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) take this particular exam.

The best thing to do is not to worry about the passing rate, or failing - but to get a hold of the reference guide for the exam you're taking, as well as a supplemental study guide to make your life a whole lot easier. It can be valuable to get LEED exam preparation resources.

Before individuals come to a decision that they want to become LEED certified and take the LEED exam, they can take part in LEED training course in order to become familiar with LEED and all of the particulars and requirements. There is a lot of information associated with certification, therefore it is significant that individuals read up on the subject matter and take LEED training course before they try to take the exam. Many LEED training courses offer practice tests and questions to prepare professionals for the real thing. During the training course, individuals will become familiarized with the many standards associated with LEED. Individuals will also become familiar with the format of the test. Course instructors will go over strategies that are beneficial to individuals taking the exam.

Benefits of Becoming LEED AP

When it comes to building, there are many benefits that come along with taking the LEED exam. Whether you are an individual, an employer or industry professional, there are lots of benefits to going through training and becoming certified. One benefit for individuals is the fact that they will be more profit-making asset to potential employers or clients. Often times if it comes down to two individuals with comparable skill sets for a particular job.

In addition to marketability, individuals who become LEED accredited professionals will also be listed on the United State's Green Building Certification Institute's directory. This will allow individuals who are looking for an LEED Accredited Professional for a particular job to search for you on the database.

The biggest benefit for employers to become certified is the fact that they are qualified for projects that require the participation of an LEED Accredited Professional. When it comes to new construction or making renovations to an existing project there are usually certain requirements that need to be followed and often times one of those requirements is that an LEED AP work on the project. Often, this is the case if the project is receiving any sort of government funding or is for a company that wants to follow LEED standards.

LEED also benefits the construction industry in its entirety. Those individuals and employers that take the LEED exam, and follow the LEED specifications, are promoting and encouraging higher standards in the industry. If more individuals become certified and contribute in this particular program it also encourages other individuals and employers to understand LEED and possibly become certified themselves.

For more details visit us @ LEED v4 Exam Preparation

Source: http://www.planetprinciples.com

Why Need LEED AP BD+C Exam Preparation Course

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 05:33:00 +0000

Read LEED AP BD+C Exam Preparation course, available at Green Building Academy in Doha.

LEED Green Associate V4 Exam Complete Study Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 05:28:00 +0000

Pass The LEED Green Associate Exam Preparation With Flying Colors!

Having been widely adopted as the primary course material for bachelor's and master's degree classes in architecture and civil engineering in universities throughout the United States, the LEED Green Associate V4 Exam Complete Study Guide provides deep insight into the principles of green building, and it helps the reader learn, rather than just memorize, the essential information for the exam. Thus, this approach equips candidates to successfully pass the LEED Green Associate exam with flying colors in order to actively apply green building and LEED principles in real life.

This book is the only resource a candidate needs, in order to successfully pass the exam. As LEED v4 exam preparation is quite different in comparison to the former versions, the book was entirely re-written; thus, it was not updated from a previous edition. All of the chapters contain guidance on the aspects that require extensive attention, while the book points out the finer details to focus on for the exam purposes. It does not matter how much time passes after taking the exam, as learning the real reasons behind the green building and LEED principles through observation will help to consolidate this information concisely.

Even though the LEED Green Associate study guide exams are sometimes referred to as conceptual exams, in reality the exam goes well beyond that. Without diving into the LEED prerequisites and credits, a candidate cannot ever guarantee passing the test; as a result, the book covers the core concepts of each LEED credit category, and then evaluates the LEED prerequisites and credits to demonstrate how those green building concepts turn into real projects with LEED requirements.

Pass the LEED Green Associate exam with flying colors!

Thoroughly understand and apply the green building principles for life, and retain all the information you have learned
Apply the green building and LEED principles in real life
Know all the important things to consider during the exam beforehand

The book is also recommended for students, professionals, and anyone who has not chosen to take an LEED professional exam, but nonetheless retains a strong interest in LEED and green buildings.

For more details visit us @ LEED Exam Preparation

Source: thearchitectsguide.com/

Basic Introduction to LEED Green Associate Study Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 05:54:00 +0000

This entry will focus on how the LEED rating systems are set up and the basic categories of credits. For a basic introduction to LEED green associate study guide.

The LEED Rating Systems are the sets of credits and categories that a LEED project team is aiming for. They are specific for the type of construction, like a new building would go for LEED for new construction, a school would go for LEED for Schools, a home would go for LEED for Homes.

Every rating system has the same set of categories, though the credits within them may be different.

The categories are:

Sustainable Sites
Water Efficiency
Energy & Atmosphere
Materials & Resources
Indoor Environmental Quality
Locations and Linkages
Awareness & Education
Innovation in Design
Regional Priority

The different credits in each category may be weighted to be worth more points than other credits. Some credits allow for incremental points to be earned by how much is accomplished by the building. For example, a certain percentage decrease in water usage could result in 1 point, but by decreasing water usage by then next threshold percentage could result in 2 points.

The Energy & Atmosphere category’s credits have the most potential points to be earned.

For more details visit us @ Conserve Academy

Source: http://chewbear.beforebreakfast.net

Taking the LEED AP BD+C Exam Preparation

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 04:14:00 +0000

Last weekend I took the LEED AP Building Design + Construction (BD+C) exam, and, mercifully, passed. (Something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!) I have two purposes in this post: first, to describe my study process for anyone else who's interested, and second, to reflect on the exam at a higher level, to consider whether it's a worthwhile use of one's time.

Exam Prep

I passed the LEED Green Associate exam training back in 2013, at the end of graduate school, and have been maintaining my credential since then through continuing ed and actual project experience. I recently completed the LEED certification process for two projects at my office and am working on a third. Overall, I felt that I had a solid foundation of understanding coming in to the LEED AP BD+C exam preparation. I gave myself two months to prepare and used two different study guides: Gang Chen's "LEED v4 BD+C Exam Guide," plus his sample test book, and Fulya Kocak Gin's "LEED AP BD+C Exam Preparation Guide." I also read all of the reference materials listed in the Candidate Handbook from GBCI, but skimmed the actual LEED BD+C Reference Guide rather than reading it thoroughly.

It took me forever to get through Gin's book - but I think without it, I would not have gotten much from Chen's book. The Chen book is sparse, likely because he intends it to be used as a reference manual after the exam and not simply as a study guide; it doesn't contain any exercises or quizzes to help you retain the information. However, it does helpfully condense the amount of material you're trying to memorize. Ultimately, I created my own study sheets that condensed the information even further, to help me memorize just the essentials. I can't say that I recommend either book over the other; it's probably useful to have both, as I did. The Gin book is full of "fluff" (photos, useless charts, etc) but does have quizzes and other information that can help with memorization.

I thought both books had terrible sample exams. They both have significant numbers of choose-all-that-apply questions (where you have to choose multiple answers in order to answer the question correctly), but my experience with the actual exam was that it did not have a lot of those type of questions. The calculation questions in Gin's book were much too complex. I scored quite low on both the sample exams, but scored relatively high on the actual exam. So I wouldn't put too much stock in their sample exams, but unfortunately, I don't have any other questions to recommend.

The actual exam did involve a lot of rote memorization questions based on the LEED application process, as expected, and the rest were analytical or problem-solving questions related to the same. I thought about 10% of questions were very unclear or difficult. I received a score of 193 out of 200 (170 is the minimum to pass, 125 is the exam minimum), with scores of 75% or higher in each category - so I think my study strategy was effective. Basically I read through both books, took all the sample exams, and then the week before the exam, I created my study guide and read all the reference materials.

Reflections on the Exam

I had a difficult time motivating myself to study for this exam. The exam tests only your memorization and understanding of the LEED certification process -- nothing more. This process is, of course, described in excruciating detail in the LEED Reference Guides, so there is absolutely no reason to memorize it. At all. Ever. So why is there this whole exam and credential system around it? As far as I can tell, it's purely about money, about a system that supports the continued existence of USGBC / GBCI and that, occasionally, results in better pay for the individuals who have gone through the system and earned the credential. You will gain nothing more concrete from the exam preparation process than that.

Earning the credential is also, however, a signal that you think LEED, and by extension, sustainable design / green building, is important. It indicates that you have dedicated your time and money to learning about and pursuing design strategies that fight climate change. Even if the primary force behind the credential is money for USGBC / GBCI, the mission of those organizations is to safeguard the planet by changing the way we build and operate buildings. So what kept me going through the snore-inducing pages of point calculations and percent-savings on energy was the thought that getting my LEED credential was an act, however small, of resistance. Since the status quo in our country is apparently climate change denial and business-as-usual, this is one way of joining the opposition movement. While living in California, where we have better-than-average laws and codes to combat global warming, I've sometimes forgotten that the rest of the country isn't following our lead. The whole purpose of LEED is to provide a national, even international, standard for building design and construction that minimizes the impacts of our work on the environment. Having spent a lot of time memorizing what the requirements are, I can attest that the principles at play in LEED are actually good ones -- a lot of emphasis is placed on choosing appropriate sites and other factors that have a much bigger impact on a building's energy use than what kind of air handling equipment it has.

I can't say that I learned anything useful from the LEED AP BD+C exam training. I also can't say that it was easy, or that studying for it was entertaining, or that now I feel more empowered to work for green buildings, or that I am now more capable of persuading clients on why to build better buildings. I will probably forget everything that I memorized in short order, because I won't be using the information regularly, and because the numbers change every few months when new LEED Addenda get released. But I have made a public commitment of my time, energy, and money toward fighting climate change, and I will keep it up until being a LEED AP is no longer a signifier of something unique, and something better comes along to signify my commitment.

For more details visit us @ Conserve Academy

Source: http://notbuiltinaday.blogspot.com

Are You Ready for the New LEED v4 AP Exam?

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 06:03:00 +0000

Whether or not you’re a green building professional, you’ve probably heard of Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED), which recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices in more than 147 countries and territories around the world. But did you know that LEED doesn’t just certify buildings; it also accredits professionals?

Tiers of LEED Accreditation

There are two levels of LEED accreditation: the LEED Green Associate (GA) and the LEED Accredited Professional (AP). Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate or a professional, the internationally-recognized LEED GA credential is the first step in establishing yourself as a serious green building professional. The LEED GA exam requires general knowledge of LEED prerequisites and credits.

After passing the LEED Green Associate exam, you may choose to take the LEED AP BD+C exam preparation , which requires specific knowledge of the prerequisites and credits for a particular rating system. LEED APs can specialize in:

• LEED Building Design and Construction ( BD+C) • LEED Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) • LEED Existing Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M) • LEED Neighborhood Development (ND) • LEED Homes (Homes)

If you are a LEED AP with a Specialty, you have in-depth knowledge of a particular LEED rating system and its building codes and standards.

Note: You may take both exams during the same testing period, but you must still pass the LEED GA exam in order to pass the LEED AP.

Eligibility and Steps for Taking the LEED v4 Exam

While you are not required to submit proof of LEED project experience when applying to take the LEED v4 exam, LEED project experience competency will be assessed on the exam, since practical experience is critical to the LEED AP designation. Therefore GBCI strongly urges candidates to gain meaningful project experience prior to taking the test.

There’s a lot to know for this exam and finding the right information can be confusing. So we at GBRI have outlined a plan for you to successfully take the exam and ways to self-evaluate your progress. The first thing to do is to register for the exam at usgbc.org and pay the registration fees. You have up to a year to take the exam from when you first registered. You can later request a specific exam date when you feel confident that you are ready. Take your time to study and really learn versus just cramming the information and forgetting it right after the exam. Also, download the Candidate Handbook and read through all of it. Links to important resources are posted in the bottom of this article.

LEED v4 Exam Format

The LEED v4 exam is comprised of two parts: the LEED Green Associate exam and the LEED AP w/ Specialty exam. Each part contains 100 randomly delivered multiple choice questions and must be completed in 2 hours. Total seat time for the LEED v4 exam will be 4 hours and 20 minutes including a tutorial and short satisfaction survey.

Exams have both scored and unscored items. All items are delivered randomly throughout the exam and candidates are not informed of an item’s status, so candidates should respond to all the items on the exam. Unscored items are used to gather performance data to inform whether the item should be scored on future exams.

For more details visit us @ LEED v4 Exam Preparation

Source: gbrionline.org

Green Cleaning and LEED AP BD+C Exam Preparation

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 06:49:00 +0000

What is Green Cleaning?
Why to go for Green Cleaning?
Green Cleaning in LEED
What is Green Cleaning?
Green cleaning refers to using cleaning methods and products with environmentally friendly ingredients and procedures which are designed to preserve human health and environmental quality.

Why Green Cleaning?
Conventional cleaning products may contain bleach, ammonia and other chemical agents that leave your home or office looking clean, but pollute the air quality. Many ingredients found in household cleaners can cause eye irritation, skin irritation, lung irritation and have been implicated as possible contributes to asthma and cancer. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of these chemicals simply due to the fact that they are smaller and still growing

Green Cleaning products are

Non-toxic
Made with natural ingredients
Biodegradable
Hypoallergenic i.e. less allergenic
No harmful fumes
Septic tank safe
Free of petrochemicals, chlorine bleach, phosphates, nitrates, borates, kerosene, phenol, lye, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, ammonia, formaldehyde, etc.
No animal testing
Recyclable packaging
LEED and Green Cleaning
LEED O+M addresses green cleaning widely in the prerequisites and credits. In LEED AP BD+C exam preparation and ID+C projects can score Innovation credit by incorporating Green Cleaning policy. Following are the prerequisite and credits associated with Green Cleaning in LEED O+M

1. EQ Prerequisite – Green Cleaning Policy
In order to comply with the prerequisite projects much establish a green cleaning policy.

What is expected in a Green Cleaning Policy?

The green cleaning policy defines the actions necessary to reduce the level of chemical use, protect the life of the building, increase indoor air quality, and reduce the environmental harms caused by traditional cleaning programs. A good policy identifies responsible parties and outlines how to measure progress toward the goals. The requirements of the green cleaning prerequisite align with already-established third-party certifications. These certification programs outline the practices, procedures, products, and equipment of a viable green cleaning program.

Projects can use USGBC template for Green Cleaning Policy available in http://www.usgbc.org/resources/eqp-green-cleaning-policy-template

2. EQ Credit – Green Cleaning – Custodial Effectiveness
To achieve this credit project has to audit the implementation and effectiveness of Green Cleaning Policy. The Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA) has developed a standard auditing procedure that managers can follow to monitor cleaning performance over time. Trends can thus be identified and best practices shared with custodial staff, creating a continuous improvement process.

3. EQ Credit – Green Cleaning – Products and Materials
This credit requires that projects should purchase green cleaning products such as floor finishes and strippers, disposable janitorial paper products, and trash bags. Green Cleaning products should contribute to 75% by choice. Green Cleaning products should meet the requirement of the following or equivalent international standard

Green Seal
EPA Safer Choice Standard (Previously Environmental choice)
UL Eco logo
4. EQ Credit – Green Cleaning –Equipment
This credit requires projects to use of high performance cleaning equipment. High-performance green cleaning equipment typically uses less energy and water and often requires less abrasive cleaning compounds or less toxic cleaning chemicals, thereby protecting the indoor air quality of a building and limiting occupants’ exposure to chemicals. In addition, it may require fewer repairs, be more effective, and cause less damage to building surfaces.

This credit requires the purchase and use of green cleaning equipment that is certified for efficiency and ergonomic design to minimize vibration, noise, and user fatigue and thus reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal or repetitive stress injuries. At least 40% of the powered cleaning equipment should comply with the requirements of Green Cleaning Equipment

For more details visit us@ LEED AP BD+ C exam preparation

Eligibility Requirements For the LEED Green Associate (GA) And LEED AP With Specialty Exam

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 06:14:00 +0000

As you may already know, there are now two different levels of LEED exams a person can take to enroll into LEED Version 3: the LEED Green Associate (LEED GA) exam, and a LEED AP Specialty exam.

New in LEED v3, there are now eligibility requirements that a person must fulfill in order to be qualified to take either the LEED GA exam and the LEED Specialty exam. The eligibility requirements are different for both and are detailed in this article.

To be eligible for the LEED Green Associate exam, a person must fulfill at least one of the following eligibility options. The first option is to have previous experience supporting a LEED registered project. Secondly, a person can have experience working in a sustainable field of work. The architecture and engineering fields are obviously in a sustainable field of work, but the eligibility requirements becomes a little obscure with other, "less obvious"places of work. Simply put, if a place of work can somehow related to sustainability and green design, then it will most likely qualify for the eligibility requirement.

Thirdly, a person can attend an education program that addresses green building principles.

For the LEED AP with Specialty exam, which includes Building Design and Construction (BD&C), Interior Design and Construction (ID&C), Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (O&M), LEED for Homes and LEED for Neighborhood Development, there is simply just one eligibility requirement. However, the requirement is one that is sure to be a hurdle for many new candidates who want to become a LEED AP under LEED Version 3. A person applying for a LEED AP specialty exam must have previous experience with a LEED registered project within three years of the application submittal date.

Many people will not be able to meet this requirement. If this is the case, those people can always become eligible for a LEED Green Associate exam and pass that first, and hopefully gain experience working on a LEED registered project, thus enabling them to take a LEED AP Specialty exam.

The requirements for both the LEED GA and LEED Specialty exam must be documented in the form of a letter, written by a supervisor, project manager, client, etc. of the candidate. The letter should also explain how the candidate participated as well.

If you are already a LEED AP from a previous version of the LEED exam, then you have a different path to enter LEED Version 3

For more details visit us @ LEED Green Associate Study Guide

Source: http://www.intheleed.com

Revised LEED Green Associate Training Candidate Handbook

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 05:02:00 +0000

We would like to give a quick update on LEED Green Associate Examination as on July 2017. An updated LEED Green Associate Training candidate handbook was published recently.

The candidate handbook does not provide the knowledge areas of assessment. So we expect there are no change in the assessment areas.

Page 9 of the candidate handbook states that “Your exam score will be displayed on screen at the end of the exam and you will receive a copy of your results via email”

Recently few candidates have complained that they have not seen the exam results and saw a notification that it will be sent via email in an hour. Will keep you posted with more feedback from candidates.

If you have passed LEED Green Associate exam in July or after July 2017…Please post your experience here : Green Building Academy

Reasons For Taking the LEED Exam Preparation

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 04:26:00 +0000

You might debate with yourself on why exactly you should go for this certification. The LEED exam is a very tough and highly stress-inducing examination - why should you sacrifice your mental peace for this exam. The answer lies in the paradigm shift in the industry towards greener pastures (forgive the pun!). Green technology is becoming more and more important as the building industry is becoming eco-friendly and is shifting towards sustainable development procedures. With sustainable development come cost cuts in the long run that are beneficial for both the people and the environment that we live in. LEED Exam Preparation certified professionals are known far and wide as skilled individuals in this developing arena of environment-friendly development. LEED certified projects have become a large enterprise with over a billion feet squared with their estimated 14,000 projects throughout the world.

With the estimated $60 billion as project funding in the US alone, retrofitting eco-friendly technology in their realty from over eighty percent corporations has made the LEED professional a valuable asset in anyone's company. Thus, the mad dash for the examination to fill in all those vacancies of LEED Green Associate Training AP's has ensured that most future homes and buildings are LEED certified.

Taking the test involves a good load of preparation. Choosing courses of training institutes such as the Everblue Training Institute helps you prepare well for this competitive exam. With worksheets and reference material as well as mock question papers and hundreds of other questions that will be beneficial for your training.

For more details visit us @ LEED v4 Exam Preparation

source: everbluetraining.com

LEED v4 education: location and transportation | U.S. Green Building Council

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 04:27:00 +0000

The LEED v4 education suite focus this February is on location and transportation. This category (new to BD+C, ID+C and O+M projects) rewards thoughtful decisions about building location, with credits that encourage compact development, alternative transportation and connection to amenities such as restaurants and parks. In previous versions of LEED, location and transportation were addressed in the sustainable sites category. In LEED v4, sustainable sites specifically addresses on-site ecosystem services, while location and transportation considers the existing features of the surrounding community and how this infrastructure affects occupants’ behavior and environmental performance.

Website: http://www.greenbuildingacademy.co/leed-ga-v4/

Source: http://www.usgbc.org

Study Tips: LEED V4 Professional Exam

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 04:04:00 +0000

LEED v4 is here, and beginning in June 2014 LEED professional exams will evolve to reflect the the LEED v4 rating system.

Here's a quick refresh on how this will play out for the LEED Green Associate, BD+C, ID+C and O+M exams (exams for Homes and ND will feature v4 content in 2015):

Last day to take a LEED 2009 exam: June 15, 2014
First day to take a LEED v4 exam: June 30, 2014
No tests will be administered from June 16-29, 2014

We know you want to be well-prepared for your exam so you pass on your first try — and we want you to be well-prepared too!

Here are some study tips to help you prepare:

Test specs and sample questions: Check out the test specs and sample questions in the LEED v4 candidate handbooks. Click the images below to access each handbook.

2. LEED Core Concepts Guide and Reference Guides: These LEED v4 guides provide a comprehensive overview of how to navigate a LEED project from registration through certification. Click the images below to access each guide.

3. LEED v4 courses: Understand credit category, prerequisites and credits, and differences specific to project type adaptations.

Introduction to LEED v4 series
LEED v4 Rating System Review (BD+C and ID+C) series
LEED v4 Rating System Review (O+M)
LEED v4 web-based reference guide
LEED v4 exam prep: Coming fall 2014. USGBC is supporting Education Partners to make sure they have the resources, knowledge, and skills to produce best-in-class education. This fall, Education Partners will release LEED v4 study materials.

References site: http://www.greenbuildingacademy.co/discussion/leed-ap-bdc-exam-qa/a-multinational-automobile-manufacturing-company/

For more information visit us @ greenbuildingacademy.co

Source: http://www.usgbc.org

LEED Continuing Education - Consulting, Engineering, Green Buildings

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 04:33:00 +0000

To purchase LEED continuing education click here.

LEED education does not end when you pass the exam. After you’ve changed your email signature to reflect your new professional credential and rewarded yourself in any other self-indulgent ways, it’s time to start thinking about what you want to learn next. In order for a LEED Green Associate or LEED AP+ (with specialty) to remain in good standing with the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) and the green building community at large, we must continue our education. Yes, your new credential tells the world you are proficient in all things LEED and green building-related. Yet, the world and the green building industry don’t stop evolving and neither should you. LEED professionals need to maintain their competitive edge and continuously improve their level of knowledge.

According to GBCI, a LEED professional credential signifies that you are a leader in the field and an active participant in the green building movement who contributes expertise to the design, construction, operations and maintenance of buildings and neighborhoods that save energy, use fewer resources, reduce pollution, and contribute to healthier environments for their occupants and the community. GBCI recommends using the LEED credit categories as a guideline to help you determine what constitutes a green building topic:

Sustainable Sites encourages strategies that minimize the impact on ecosystems and water resources.
Water Efficiency promotes smarter use of water, inside and out, to reduce potable water consumption.
Energy & Atmosphere promotes better building energy performance through innovative strategies.
Materials & Resources encourages using sustainable building materials and reducing waste.
Indoor Environmental Quality promotes better indoor air quality and access to daylight and views.

With an intention to ensure a high level of competency, the GBCI employs a formal Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) and requires Continuing Education (CE) hours. Within 2 years of achieving your credential, LEED Green Associate professionals must complete 15 CE hours (12 “General” + 3 “LEED Specific”) or 30 CE hours (24 “General” and 6 “LEED Specific”) as a LEED Accredited Professional with specialty (LEED AP BD+C or O+M, for example). Each additional specialty requires 6 unique “LEED Specific” hours. The self-reporting program is accessible through your account, by clicking here. If you do not keep up with the CE hours, your credential will lapse and you’d have to test on the latest material to earn the credential(s) again. The latest version of LEED (v4) is now in effect and all of our classes and materials have been updated.

GBCI has narrowed it down to four main ways to earn your hours:

Education

Preferred courses and presentations from registered providers (GBCI approved)
Typically 1 CE hour per hour of education
Self-reported courses and presentations
Greenbuild Expo classes

2. LEED Project Experience

Up to 10 hours; 1 hour per credit as a team member; 2 hours per credit as Project Administrator

3. Authorship (credited contribution to a print or digital publication on a sustainability topic)

3 CE hours per published article and 10 CE hours for a published book

4. Volunteering (with USGBC, GBCI, a USGBC Chapter, or a LEED-related non-profit organization)

Can only use this path for up to 50% of your total CE hours.
1 CE hour for 1 hour volunteered

It is suggested that you log your hours as you earn them. With the self-reporting compliance that GBCI has laid out, only a small percentage of professionals are audited and at that time you would need to provide more back-up like a certificate of completion of an online or in-person class. Fifteen (15) or 30 hours over two years isn’t too bad. One of our Principals, Charlie Cichetti [LEED AP BD+C, ID+C, O+M, ND, and Homes] has to do 54 hours for all of his letters over a two-year period! He was one of the very first professionals in 2009 to earn all of the new LEED credentials. Currently, according to the LEED GBCI Professional Directory, Charlie is one of only 15 professionals in the world that hold all of the LEED credentials. Log as you go, work on LEED projects (if possible), attend conferences, and take some of our LEED-specific courses. Did you write a white paper or create a class recently on a sustainability topic? That may count, also.

SIG is next to you at every step of your green building journey. In the future, when LEED evolves, we grow too. Here are just a few examples of our GBCI-approved continuing education topics:

Integrating Photovoltaics in Buildings for Renewable Energy Production – 2.5 hours
20 Things You Need to Know About LEED v4 – 1 hour
Blue Roofs: Cutting Edge Stormwater Management – 1.5 hours
30 LEED EBO&M Mistakes to Avoid – 1 hour
Demand Response: Getting Paid to Reduce Electricity – 1.5 hours
Regenerative Green House Gas Inventories: Carbon Offsets from Forestry – 1.5 hours
Implementing Indoor Water Use Reduction – 2 hours
Green Leasing – 1 hour
Location and Linkages Implementing Bicycle Network, Storage, & Shower Rooms – 2 hours
Outdoor Water Use Reduction Using Xeriscaping – 2 hours

Just as the strongest ecosystem is a diverse one, we offer a wide range of special topics and delivery methods. For instant gratification, order an article online for easy reading. To meet the needs of your whole office, schedule a lunch & learn or even half day workshop with one of our expert trainers.

At SIG, we are committed to helping our staff keep current with trends and green building research by sending them to the annual Greenbuild Expo hosted by the USGBC. We’d love to meet you there. If you can’t make it, we’ll come to you. Let us design a custom education course to suit the needs of your journey. What we’ve learned on our journey is that the more you dig in, the clearer and easier it all becomes, and we’ll advance the green building industry together.

To purchase LEED continuing education click here

Helpful links:

http://www.greenbuildingacademy.co/discussion/

http://www.gbci.org/main-nav/professional-credentials/resources/at-a-glance.aspx

Source: http://www.gbes.com/

Update Yourself on LEED V4 Green Associate and Earn free LEED Specific CE Hrs

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 04:36:00 +0000

LEED Professionals are required to pursue Continuing Education in order to maintain their LEED Credentials. LEED Green Associates have to purse 15 CE Hrs out of which 3 should be LEED specific. LEED APs should have to pursue 30 CE Hrs out of which 6 should be LEED specific.

Very often we receive enquires on where to get CE Hrs for Credential Maintenance Programs. In response to the enquiries we have posted a video on Things to do after the exam. With the release of LEED V4, here is an excellent opportunity to update yourself on LEED V4 and earn free LEED Specific CE Hrs.

More details: http://www.greenbuildingacademy.co/

The screenshots below are self explanatory. Please do note that the screenshots are taken when we were writing the post, USGBC may change the web layout. You may experience a different screen layout later. Also screen layout may change based on your membership and subscriptions.

Step 1: Login to www.usgbc.org

Step 2: Follow the link “Education” as in the screenshot below

Step 3: Follow the link “Education @USGBC” as in the screenshot below

Step 4: You can find lot of free LEED Specific CE hours in this page as shown below; you have access to anything which is not priced.

Step 5: View the video content and take the quiz when you complete.

Congratulations, you have earned free LEED Specific CE Hr.

The CE Hrs are automatically reported. Check your profile for updated CE Hrs reported; refer to the following screen shot.

If you need any information visit us @ LEED green associate v4

Click Discussion Topic

How I passed LEED Green Associate V4 Examination in 4 weeks?

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 04:44:00 +0000

In this post I am going to explain how I passed LEED Green Associate Examination within 4 weeks and I will try to answer some of the common questions asked by candidates at the beginning stage of their preparation like,

1. How to get started?
2. Whether to go for self-study or an online course?
3. How to prepare for the exam?

First of all, I would like to introduce myself. I am Venkatesh, a fresh graduate in Mechanical Engineering with no experience in construction sector. I have joined with Green Building Academy as Trainee-Sustainability Engineer on 30/11/2015. I was instructed by my management to go for LEED Green Associate v4 Examination and I was promised for an increment in my salary if I pass.

Step 1: Getting Started

After decided to go for the examination, the first think I did was to understand basic things about the examination like number of questions, passing score, exam duration, etc. The following videos gave me very good information regarding the examination. I shared the links with you here:

1. Introduction to Green Buildings and LEED Credentials -

http://www.greenbuildingacademy.co/leed-ga-v4/introduction/video/

2. Introduction to LEED Rating Systems - http://www.greenbuildingacademy.co/leed-ga-v4/leed-rating-systems/video/

The official examination information is published in LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook -

http://in.usgbc.org/resources/leed-v4-green-associate-candidate-handbook

Step 2: Deciding whether to go for self-study or an online course?

A common confusion usually arise in a candidate’s mind is whether to do self-studyor to take a course. In my case I was provided with free online access for LEED Green Associate v4 Made Easy – Online course offered by Green Building Academy. My advice is to take a LEED Green Associate Training Course which was used and tested by many candidates. Online courses available in the market will cost around 150 USD and our online course is available at 55 USD. Free online resources available in the internet are often outdated and misleading. So, in order to limit your time and effort towards preparation I strongly recommend taking an online course or a classroom course(depending on your budget and time). Class room course may cost up to USD 400.
Preparing for the Exam:

I strongly recommend candidates to prepare in the following sequence of topics:

1. Location and Transportation
2. Sustainable Sites
3. Water Efficiency
4. Energy Efficiency
5. Materials & Resources
6. Indoor Environmental Quality
7. Integrative Process
8. Bonus Categories
9. Certification Process

One of the common mistakes people doing in preparation is that, spending lot of time in Integrative Process and Certification Process at the beginning stages of preparation. In my perspective these topics can be well understood after studying all the technical parts. Time required to complete the above topics varies with discipline. However 3 weeks will be sufficient enough to cover all the topics. Give yourself at least 7-10 days for revising.

Step 4: Applying and Scheduling for the Examination

I recommend you to schedule your examination when you are 50% prepared. Scheduling your examination will actually speed-up your process and will provide enough time for you to get psychologically prepared. Remember solving more and more practice questions is one of the keys to success. Take some mock tests available in the internet. It will make you familiar with the exam interface and it will avoid confusions during examination. Applying and Scheduling procedures for the examination are well explained in the video link provided below

http://www.greenbuildingacademy.co/leed-ga-v4/exam-registration/.

I passed the examination on Dec 28, 2015 with a score of 188 exactly on 29th day from the starting date of my preparation.

Question:

A Multinational Automobile manufacturing company has planned to establish one of its production plants in California. During site assessment, which of the following codes the project team has to refer to find if the project site is a farmland?

a) Environmental Protection Agency
b) Environmental Impact Assessment Authority
c) SCAQMD
d) Code of Federal Regulations

For more details visit us @ greenbuildingacademy.co

The LEED AP BD+C Requirements

noreply@blogger.com (Green Building Academy) — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 09:17:00 +0000

LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) are renowned sustainability experts who are able to contribute to the rating of buildings with the various LEED systems and mentor all the other team members. By obtaining your LEED AP BD+C designation, you are not only making a wise career investment, you are taking an essential step to remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry and positioning yourself for the high demand green job market.

The most accepted and recognizable Green Building Credential in the world

There are more than 141,000 LEED APs as of Jan 2010, with more being certified every day at an unparalleled rate. While LEED APs have always been a illustrious credential, many employers now want AP accreditation for new hires and are requiring only AP accreditation as part of their staff education goals. The demand for LEED APs has grown significantly as the federal government, states and cities and municipalities require LEED certification for all new government operated offices and facilities, and will remain in this continued growth path as the need for energy efficiency and to limit global warming continues.

Credentialing Structure

Version 3.0 credential process features multiple tiers of accreditation that exhibit both level of proficiency and areas of interest and specialization. The first step is the LEED Green Associate. This credential covers the core concept and sustainability plus a basic understanding of the USGBC, GBCI and how buildings are certified. This is also the Exam Part #1 of the AP specialty exams and By itself, it is very beneficial for those seeking to show a general working knowledge of Leadership in Energy in Environmental Design and Sustainable Green Building methods. For individuals who take and pass the GA examination are allowed to use the LEED GA or LEED Green Associate designation and accredited logo on your stationary, professional resume and your advertising.

The second level is the LEED AP BD+C with a specialty. You have the option of five separate exams that prove proficiency in the advanced knowledge of sustainable and green building methods in a specialty field such as Building Design & Construction, Interior Design & Construction, Green Building Operation & Maintenance, Homes or Neighborhood Development. You are only required to pass one of the specialty exams (in addition to the LEED Green Associate exam) to make use of the LEED Accredited Professional or LEED AP acronym as part of your title on your stationary, professional resume and your advertising. Some people have pursued multiple LEED Accredited Professional specialties to prove proficiency to perspective employer and customers.

LEED Accredited Professionals are considered experts in the field distinguished by their many years of green building and LEED experience. The exact requirements of this designation have not been identified at the date of this article.

Tier 1: LEED Green Associate

To obtain the LEED Green Associate (LEED GA), you must take and pass a 2-hour, 100 question multiple choice exam which will test your understanding of green building and core concepts.

LEED Green Associate Exam Eligibility

To submit an application for the LEED Green Associate exam, you must meet or exceed at least one of the following prerequisites:

· Attendance of an green education program that addresses sustainable building principles, OR
· Documented involvement on a LEED-registered project

The PTL Green Associate class qualifies you to sit for the LEED Green Associate exam. After your class, you will be provided with an electronic certificate of completion that you can submit with your application.

Tier II: LEED AP with Specialty

To acquire the LEED AP with Specialty credential, you must pass a 2-hour, 100 question multiple choice exam which will test your understanding of the LEED AP specialty you are pursuing. The LEED AP with Specialty credential is for individuals wanting to demonstrate an deep knowledge of green construction practices; it also will exhibit the ability to specialize in a individual LEED Rating System.

LEED AP Exam

The LEED green associate training and LEED AP exams can be taken at the same time or may also be taken in separate appointments. You do not need to have already passed the LEED Green Associate exam to submit an application for the LEED Accredited Professional exam. However, you must either be a legacy LEED AP or have the LEED GA credential to acquire the LEED AP accreditation.

LEED AP Eligibility

To take the LEED AP exams, you must have prior experience with a LEED Certification Projects within the last three years of your application submittal date. This documented work experience must be in the form of a letter of attestation from a supervisor, client, or project manager and must describe your involvement on the LEED Project as a consultant, contracted worker, member of the LEED Project Team, LEED Homes Provider, LEED Commercial Reviewer, LEED Homes Green Verifier, or staff member of a Certifying Body (CB).

The PTL LEED Project Management Experience class will meet this prerequisite and qualify you to take the LEED AP exam.

For more details visit us @ LEED AP BD+C study guide

Note: This content was originally shared in http://www.ptlexamprep.com/