Introduction

The Certified Green Professional (CGP) certification is designed for professionals in the building industry who want to demonstrate their knowledge of sustainable building practices and their ability to implement green construction practices in residential projects. This 5-day intensive training course covers the principles of green building, energy-efficient construction, sustainable design, materials, and systems, as well as practical strategies for integrating sustainability into the building process. By the end of the course, participants will be prepared to take the CGP certification exam and enhance their careers by applying green practices in their work.

Course Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will:

1. Understand the core principles of green building and sustainability in construction.
2. Learn the key strategies for reducing energy consumption, improving indoor air quality, and utilizing sustainable materials.
3. Gain proficiency in green building certifications, including the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
4. Develop strategies for managing sustainable construction projects, from design to completion.
5. Be fully prepared to take the Certified Green Professional (CGP) certification exam and apply green building principles in residential construction.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Builders, contractors, and developers who want to integrate green building practices into their projects.
• Architects, designers, engineers, and other professionals involved in residential construction and sustainability.
• Project managers, construction managers, and others seeking to lead sustainable construction initiatives.
• Professionals seeking to earn the Certified Green Professional (CGP) credential to enhance their careers in green building.

Day 1: Introduction to Green Building and Sustainability

• Session 1: Understanding Green Building and Sustainability

  • Overview of sustainable construction and its environmental impact
  • Defining green building: Environmental, economic, and social benefits
  • Green building certifications and rating systems: NGBS, LEED, and others
  • The role of the Certified Green Professional (CGP) in residential construction
  • The business case for green building: Market demand, energy savings, and long-term value

• Session 2: Key Concepts of Sustainability in Construction

  • Environmental sustainability in construction: Resource conservation, waste reduction, and lifecycle assessment
  • Energy-efficient building practices: Reducing energy use and improving efficiency
  • Water conservation strategies: Sustainable plumbing systems, rainwater harvesting, and low-flow fixtures
  • Indoor environmental quality (IEQ): Air quality, natural light, and acoustics
  • Sustainable site design: Site selection, stormwater management, and minimizing environmental impact

Day 2: Energy Efficiency and Green Building Materials

• Session 3: Energy-Efficient Construction Practices

  • Building energy efficiency: Insulation, HVAC systems, and windows
  • Designing for energy performance: Passive solar design, building orientation, and shading
  • Energy-efficient appliances and systems: Lighting, heating, cooling, and water heating
  • Understanding energy codes and regulations: ASHRAE, IECC, and local energy codes
  • Energy modeling and simulation tools for residential construction

• Session 4: Sustainable Building Materials

  • Defining green materials: Low-impact, recycled, renewable, and non-toxic options
  • Sourcing sustainable materials: FSC-certified wood, low-VOC paints, and recycled materials
  • Green building material certifications: Cradle-to-cradle, GREENGUARD, and others
  • Reducing embodied energy: Locally sourced materials and reducing transportation impact
  • The importance of material selection in achieving energy efficiency, waste reduction, and IEQ

Day 3: Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and Water Efficiency

• Session 5: Improving Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

  • The importance of IEQ in green building: Comfort, health, and productivity
  • Ventilation systems and air quality: Energy recovery ventilation (ERV), fresh air intake, and filtration
  • Managing moisture and preventing mold: Vapor barriers, proper drainage, and humidity control
  • Natural lighting and daylighting strategies for reducing artificial lighting needs
  • Acoustic design and noise control: Soundproofing materials and design strategies for noise reduction

• Session 6: Water Efficiency in Green Building

  • Water-saving strategies for residential buildings: Low-flow fixtures, irrigation systems, and drought-resistant landscaping
  • Designing efficient plumbing systems: Graywater recycling, rainwater harvesting, and water-efficient appliances
  • The role of sustainable landscaping in water conservation
  • Stormwater management practices: Permeable surfaces, retention ponds, and bioswales
  • Understanding and implementing water efficiency certifications and standards

Day 4: Sustainable Site Design and Green Building Project Management

• Session 7: Sustainable Site Design

  • Site selection and minimizing environmental impact: Brownfield development and habitat preservation
  • Strategies for reducing site disturbance and protecting natural resources
  • Designing for stormwater management and reducing runoff: Green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavements
  • Landscaping for sustainability: Native plants, xeriscaping, and sustainable irrigation
  • Strategies for improving accessibility and walkability on residential sites

• Session 8: Green Building Project Management and Certification

  • Managing green building projects: Planning, budgeting, and coordinating with subcontractors
  • Green building certifications: Overview of NGBS, LEED for Homes, and Energy Star
  • The process of getting green buildings certified: Documentation, review, and certification
  • Working with clients to achieve sustainability goals: Communication, education, and reporting
  • Overcoming challenges in green building projects: Cost considerations, local building codes, and material availability

Day 5: Final Review, Exam Preparation, and Certification

• Session 9: Practical Applications of Green Building

  • Case studies of successful green building projects: Residential, multi-family, and mixed-use
  • How to evaluate and improve existing buildings for energy efficiency and sustainability
  • Examples of cost-effective green building practices for residential construction
  • Innovative green building solutions: Net-zero energy homes, passive house design, and other advanced strategies

• Session 10: Exam Review and Certification Preparation

  • Review of key concepts: Energy efficiency, green materials, indoor environmental quality, water efficiency, and site design
  • Practice exam questions and mock tests for CGP certification preparation
  • Exam-taking strategies: Time management, understanding question formats, and tips for success
  • Final Q&A session to address participant queries and ensure exam readiness