LEED Green Associate Training Course.
Introduction
The LEED Green Associate (GA) certification is an entry-level credential that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge of sustainable building practices and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating systems. This 5-day intensive training course is designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the LEED Green Building Rating System, sustainable practices in construction and design, and strategies for improving energy efficiency, water conservation, and environmental impact. By the end of the course, participants will be prepared to take the LEED Green Associate exam and apply sustainable practices in their professional work.
Course Objectives
By the end of this training, participants will:
- Understand the fundamentals of the LEED certification process and rating systems.
- Learn the concepts of sustainability and green building principles.
- Gain proficiency in sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy use, and material selection.
- Develop skills to implement green building practices in construction, design, and operations.
- Be fully prepared to take the LEED Green Associate exam and start applying sustainable practices in their work.
Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for:
- Professionals in the building, construction, and real estate sectors interested in sustainable design and construction.
- Architects, engineers, contractors, project managers, and consultants seeking to earn the LEED Green Associate certification.
- Individuals seeking to understand the LEED rating systems and incorporate sustainability into their work.
- Anyone interested in pursuing a career in green building and sustainability practices.
Day 1: Introduction to LEED and Sustainability
Session 1: Introduction to LEED and Green Building
- What is LEED? Understanding the LEED rating systems and its role in sustainable construction
- The evolution of green building practices and LEED certification
- The benefits of LEED certification for building owners, occupants, and the environment
- The LEED Green Associate credential: What it means and why it’s valuable for professionals
- LEED certification process overview: Project registration, review process, and certification
Session 2: The Concept of Sustainability in the Built Environment
- Defining sustainability and its application in the construction industry
- Key environmental impacts: Climate change, resource depletion, and waste generation
- How sustainable building practices can reduce energy consumption, improve water efficiency, and minimize environmental harm
- The Triple Bottom Line: People, Planet, Profit in sustainable design
- Global sustainability initiatives and frameworks: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Day 2: LEED Rating System and Credit Categories
Session 3: Overview of LEED Credit Categories
- Understanding the LEED credit categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation
- How each credit category contributes to the overall sustainability of a building
- The point-based system: How points are awarded and what they mean in terms of certification level (Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum)
- LEED for New Construction vs. LEED for Existing Buildings: Key differences and applications
Session 4: Sustainable Sites and Water Efficiency
- Sustainable Site strategies: Site selection, landscape design, light pollution reduction, and transportation options
- Strategies for minimizing environmental impacts from construction activities
- Water Efficiency credits: Indoor and outdoor water use reduction, landscaping practices, and rainwater harvesting
- Importance of reducing water consumption and promoting water conservation in the built environment
Day 3: Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources
Session 5: Energy and Atmosphere
- Energy efficiency in building design: Maximizing energy performance through efficient systems and technology
- Renewable energy sources: Solar, wind, geothermal, and their integration into buildings
- LEED energy performance credits: Energy modeling, commissioning, and monitoring
- Atmosphere-related credits: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, refrigerant management, and optimizing HVAC systems
Session 6: Materials and Resources
- Sustainable materials selection: Reducing the environmental impact of materials used in construction
- Managing resources: Construction waste management, recycling, and reducing material consumption
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in building materials selection
- Materials & Resources credits: Building product transparency, sourcing, and reuse
Day 4: Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation, and Regional Priority
Session 7: Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
- The importance of indoor air quality for occupant health and well-being
- Strategies for improving IEQ: Ventilation, lighting, thermal comfort, and acoustics
- The role of natural lighting and views in promoting health
- IEQ credits: Low-emitting materials, indoor air quality management, and biophilic design principles
Session 8: Innovation and Regional Priority
- Innovation credits: How to earn points for innovative strategies that go beyond LEED requirements
- Creating high-performance and innovative solutions for buildings
- Regional Priority credits: Addressing unique regional environmental challenges and opportunities
- Case studies of innovative LEED-certified projects and their impact on sustainability
Day 5: Exam Preparation, Case Studies, and Final Review
Session 9: Exam Preparation and Study Strategies
- Overview of the LEED Green Associate exam format and structure
- Key exam topics: The LEED credit categories, terminology, and sustainable building strategies
- Effective study strategies and tips for passing the exam
- Reviewing practice questions and sample exams
- Time management during the exam: How to approach multiple-choice questions and prioritize topics
Session 10: Case Studies and Real-World Applications
- Reviewing case studies of successful LEED projects and their impact on sustainability
- Analyzing how LEED strategies were implemented in various building types: Commercial, residential, educational, and institutional
- Lessons learned and best practices from real-world applications of LEED principles
- Discussion on the future of sustainable buildings and the role of LEED in driving the green building movement
Session 11: Final Review and Certification Exam
- Comprehensive review of the key concepts covered throughout the course
- Addressing final questions and clarifying any remaining doubts
- Final practice test to gauge readiness for the certification exam
- Preparing for the LEED Green Associate exam: Submission, scheduling, and exam process