Course Overview

This 5-day specialized training course is designed to provide facilities management professionals with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in green building practices and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. As sustainability becomes a key driver in the construction and operation of buildings, this course will equip participants with the tools needed to manage and improve the environmental performance of buildings, meet LEED standards, and navigate the growing demands for eco-friendly facilities. The course includes case studies, hands-on workshops, and real-world applications to ensure that participants can integrate sustainability into their building operations effectively and efficiently.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand Green Building Principles – Gain a solid understanding of the foundational principles of green buildings and sustainability in facilities management.
2. Master LEED Certification Requirements – Learn the criteria and process for achieving LEED certification in various categories (Building Design and Construction, Operations and Maintenance, Interior Design, etc.).
3. Implement Sustainable Design and Operations – Explore strategies for reducing energy consumption, conserving water, using sustainable materials, and improving indoor air quality.
4. Navigate the LEED Rating System – Understand the different rating systems for LEED certification, such as LEED v4 and LEED v4.1, and how to score points in each category.
5. Create a LEED Certification Roadmap – Develop actionable plans for obtaining LEED certification for both new and existing buildings.
6. Use Smart Technologies for Sustainability – Learn how to integrate smart technologies such as energy management systems, IoT, and smart sensors into green buildings for optimized performance.
7. Evaluate the Economic and Environmental Impact of Green Buildings – Assess the cost benefits of green building practices and how to present these benefits to stakeholders.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for professionals in facilities management, architecture, construction, and sustainability who are involved in managing or designing green buildings. Ideal participants include:

• Facilities Managers – Those responsible for the operational performance of buildings and driving sustainability initiatives.
• Sustainability Officers – Professionals in charge of environmental responsibility and achieving green building standards.
• Project Managers & Engineers – Those overseeing the construction or renovation of buildings, ensuring they meet sustainability and LEED certification requirements.
• Architects & Designers – Interested in incorporating sustainability and green building practices into their designs.
• Energy Managers – Professionals focused on reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency in facilities.
• Environmental Consultants – Those providing green building certification, sustainability assessments, or compliance services.
• Government & Municipal Officials – Involved in overseeing the implementation of green building standards for public and private sector projects.
• Property Developers – Aiming to create environmentally friendly, energy-efficient buildings for commercial and residential markets.
• Building Owners and Operators – Interested in reducing operational costs through sustainable building practices and achieving LEED certification.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Green Buildings and Sustainable Practices

• Morning Session:

  • Overview of Green Building Concepts
    • What defines a green building?
    • Benefits of green buildings: Environmental, economic, and social.
    • Global trends in sustainable building design and operation.
  • Key Sustainability Principles in Facilities Management
    • Resource efficiency: Water, energy, and materials.
    • Minimizing environmental impact: Pollution reduction and waste management.
    • Improving indoor environmental quality (IEQ).
    • Sustainable site development and stormwater management.

• Afternoon Session:

  • Introduction to LEED Certification
    • History and development of LEED
    • Overview of LEED rating systems and categories (BD+C, O+M, ID+C, etc.)
    • The LEED point system and certification levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
  • Case Studies of Successful Green Buildings
    • Examples of LEED-certified buildings from different sectors (commercial, residential, institutional).
    • How these buildings achieved sustainability goals and the impact on stakeholders.

Day 2: LEED Rating System and Criteria

• Morning Session:

  • Exploring the LEED v4 and LEED v4.1 Rating Systems
    • Detailed breakdown of LEED credit categories:
      • Sustainable Sites
      • Water Efficiency
      • Energy and Atmosphere
      • Materials and Resources
      • Indoor Environmental Quality
      • Innovation and Regional Priority
    • How to earn LEED points in each category.
  • Understanding LEED Prerequisites and Credits
    • Prerequisites vs. credits: Key requirements for certification.
    • Strategies for achieving points and overcoming common challenges.

• Afternoon Session:

  • Energy and Water Efficiency
    • Best practices for reducing energy use and improving water efficiency in buildings.
    • Designing energy-efficient HVAC systems, lighting, and insulation.
  • Sustainable Materials Selection
    • Understanding material selection for green buildings.
    • The importance of sourcing sustainable materials (e.g., recycled, renewable, low-emission).
    • Reducing construction waste and promoting reuse.
  • Workshop:
    • Analyze a building design and identify opportunities for improving sustainability and LEED certification points.

Day 3: Advanced Green Building Strategies

• Morning Session:

  • Smart Technologies in Green Buildings
    • Role of IoT in energy management and monitoring.
    • Smart sensors for occupancy and environmental conditions.
    • Building automation systems for energy optimization.
  • Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
    • Improving air quality through ventilation, filtration, and low-emission materials.
    • Daylight and lighting design for health and well-being.
    • Acoustic design and noise control for occupant comfort.

• Afternoon Session:

  • Sustainable Site Development and Stormwater Management
    • Green roofs, permeable pavements, and sustainable landscaping.
    • Techniques for stormwater management and reducing urban heat island effect.
  • Zero Energy and Net Zero Buildings
    • Understanding the concept of zero energy buildings and the path to achieving net-zero emissions.
    • Renewable energy integration (solar, wind, geothermal).

• Workshop:

  • Design a green building strategy based on a specific project using LEED criteria and innovative solutions.

Day 4: Implementing LEED Certification in New and Existing Buildings

• Morning Session:

  • The LEED Certification Process
    • Steps in the LEED certification process: Registration, documentation, and submission.
    • Working with a LEED AP (Accredited Professional) and LEED consultants.
    • Costs and timelines for certification.
  • Challenges in Achieving LEED Certification
    • Common challenges faced during the certification process and how to overcome them.
    • Managing the documentation process and coordination with contractors.

• Afternoon Session:

  • Retrofitting Existing Buildings for LEED Certification
    • How to retrofit an existing building to meet LEED standards.
    • Key focus areas: Energy efficiency upgrades, water conservation, and sustainable materials.
  • LEED for Operations and Maintenance
    • LEED O+M certification for existing facilities.
    • Ongoing strategies for maintaining and improving sustainability in buildings after certification.

• Workshop:

  • Create a LEED certification plan for a building under construction or renovation.

Day 5: Green Building Economics and Future Trends

• Morning Session:

  • Cost-Benefit Analysis of Green Building Practices
    • Evaluating the financial benefits of green buildings: ROI, energy savings, tenant attraction, and market value.
    • Funding options, incentives, and tax credits for green building projects.
  • The Business Case for LEED Certification
    • How to present the value of LEED certification to stakeholders and investors.
    • Measuring the long-term financial and environmental impact of LEED-certified buildings.

• Afternoon Session:

  • Future Trends in Green Buildings and LEED Certification
    • Emerging technologies and practices: Passive house standards, smart grids, and renewable energy innovations.
    • The future of building certifications: WELL, BREEAM, and other sustainable rating systems.
  • Final Project Presentation and Course Review
    • Participants present their LEED certification strategies or case studies.
    • Open discussion, feedback, and Q&A.
    • Certification of completion and closing remarks.

Conclusion

This specialized green building and LEED certification course prepares participants to manage sustainable building projects, from design to operation, while meeting the requirements of LEED certification. By integrating smart technologies, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient strategies, participants will be equipped to create future-ready, environmentally responsible facilities.