Introduction:

As the demand for sustainable development grows, green building practices are becoming essential in reducing environmental impact and enhancing the well-being of building occupants. This 5-day training course provides an in-depth overview of green building principles, the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification process, and how to design, construct, and operate sustainable buildings. Participants will learn about energy efficiency, sustainable materials, indoor environmental quality, and water conservation, as well as how to navigate the LEED certification system to ensure that their projects meet the highest sustainability standards.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the principles of green building design, construction, and operation.
2. Gain knowledge of the LEED certification process and its requirements.
3. Learn how to integrate sustainable practices in the design and construction of buildings.
4. Explore the key categories of LEED credits: energy, water, materials, indoor air quality, and innovation.
5. Develop strategies to improve a building’s energy efficiency, reduce its carbon footprint, and ensure occupant health and comfort.
6. Understand how to achieve LEED certification for new and existing buildings.
7. Be equipped with practical tools to apply sustainability strategies in real-world projects.

Who Should Attend:

This course is ideal for professionals involved in building design, construction, and management, including:

• Architects and Designers
• Engineers (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental)
• Contractors and Builders
• Project Managers and Estimators
• Facility Managers
• Developers and Real Estate Professionals
• Anyone involved in sustainable design and construction or aiming to obtain LEED certification for projects

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Green Building and LEED Certification

• Session 1: Understanding Green Building
  • What is Green Building? Definitions, Principles, and Benefits
  • The Role of Sustainable Building Practices in Reducing Environmental Impact
  • The Business Case for Green Buildings: Cost Savings, Value, and Market Demand
• Session 2: Introduction to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
  • Overview of LEED Certification and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
  • LEED Rating Systems: New Construction, Existing Buildings, and Interior Design
  • LEED Certification Levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum
• Session 3: Key Components of a Green Building
  • Energy Efficiency: Building Design, HVAC, and Renewable Energy Integration
  • Water Efficiency: Low-Flow Fixtures, Water Recycling, and Landscape Design
  • Sustainable Materials: Sourcing, Reuse, and Waste Reduction
  • Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): Ventilation, Lighting, and Occupant Health
• Activity: Group Discussion – Analyzing the Benefits of Green Building Practices for Different Stakeholders

Day 2: LEED Certification Process and Prerequisites

• Session 1: The LEED Certification Process
  • Steps to LEED Certification: Registration, Documentation, Review, and Final Decision
  • The Role of the LEED Project Administrator
  • LEED Online Platform: How to Submit Documentation and Track Progress
• Session 2: LEED Prerequisites
  • Required Prerequisites for LEED Certification
  • Common Prerequisites: Energy Performance, Water Efficiency, Sustainable Sites
  • How Prerequisites Impact Project Design and Documentation
• Session 3: LEED Credit Categories
  • Overview of LEED Credit Categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation in Design, and Regional Priority
  • Introduction to the LEED Credit Points System: How Points Are Earned and Assessed
• Activity: Workshop – Reviewing a Sample LEED Submission for a Commercial Building

Day 3: Energy Efficiency, Water Conservation, and Sustainable Materials

• Session 1: Energy Efficiency in Green Buildings
  • Strategies for Reducing Energy Use: High-Performance Insulation, Windows, and HVAC Systems
  • Renewable Energy Solutions: Solar Panels, Wind Power, and Geothermal
  • LEED Credits for Energy Performance: Energy Star Rating, Energy Modeling, and Performance Verification
• Session 2: Water Conservation and Management
  • Sustainable Water Practices: Low-Flow Fixtures, Greywater Systems, and Rainwater Harvesting
  • Landscaping with Native Plants and Drought-Resistant Species
  • LEED Water Efficiency Credits: Reducing Water Consumption and Managing Stormwater
• Session 3: Sustainable Materials and Resources
  • Selecting Eco-Friendly Materials: Locally Sourced, Recycled, and Low-Impact Materials
  • Waste Management: Construction Waste Recycling, Reducing Landfill Contributions
  • LEED Materials and Resources Credits: Using Sustainable Materials and Reducing Resource Consumption
• Activity: Group Exercise – Designing a Sustainable Building Layout Focusing on Energy, Water, and Materials

Day 4: Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation in Design

• Session 1: Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
  • Improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Ventilation, Air Filtration, and Non-Toxic Materials
  • Lighting Design: Natural Lighting, Daylighting, and LED Technology
  • Acoustic Comfort: Sound Control, Noise Reduction, and Acoustic Design Strategies
  • LEED Indoor Environmental Quality Credits: Air Quality, Lighting, and Acoustic Performance
• Session 2: Innovation in Design (ID) and LEED Innovation Credits
  • How to Earn LEED Innovation Credits for Exemplary Performance
  • Sustainable Innovations: Green Roofs, Smart Building Technologies, and Net-Zero Energy Buildings
  • The Role of Research and Development in Advancing Green Building Practices
• Session 3: LEED for Existing Buildings
  • LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (O&M) vs. New Construction
  • Achieving LEED for Existing Buildings: Certification Process and Credit Categories
  • Benefits of Retrofitting Buildings for LEED Certification
• Activity: Group Activity – Brainstorming Innovative Design Ideas to Earn LEED Innovation Credits

Day 5: Practical Applications, LEED Case Studies, and Certification Strategies

• Session 1: LEED Case Studies
  • Review of Successful LEED Projects: Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Case Studies
  • Analysis of LEED Certification Strategies Used in High-Profile Projects
  • Lessons Learned from LEED Projects: Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
• Session 2: Implementing LEED in Your Project
  • Steps to Successfully Integrate LEED into Your Building Design Process
  • Coordinating with Contractors, Architects, and Engineers to Achieve LEED Goals
  • Documentation, Submittals, and Tracking Performance During Construction
• Session 3: Preparing for LEED Certification
  • Final Steps for Certification: Review, Submission, and Final Approval
  • How to Build a Strong LEED Team and Ensure Project Success
  • Common Mistakes to Avoid and Tips for Smooth Certification
• Activity: Final Group Discussion – Developing a Roadmap for Achieving LEED Certification for a Real Project

Course Delivery:

• Interactive Lectures: Presentations on the principles of green building, LEED certification, and sustainable design practices.
• Hands-on Workshops: Practical exercises on preparing LEED submissions, designing green buildings, and navigating the LEED process.
• Case Studies: Review of real-world LEED-certified projects to understand strategies and challenges in achieving certification.
• Group Activities: Collaborative exercises that involve problem-solving, idea generation, and group presentations.
• LEED Tools: Introduction to LEED Online for managing and submitting projects.