New “Building to LEED for New Construction” Designed to Help Contractors, Designers and Developers Navigate Green Building Certification Process, Maintain LEED Accreditation

The Associated General Contractors of America unveiled Aug. 12 a new green construction education program designed to make it easier to build and renovate green, LEED-certified buildings. The new program, called Building to LEED for New Construction, Second Edition is designed to help contractors, designers and developers successfully navigate the green building certification process and keep their green accreditations current.

“Green building is rapidly changing from a niche market to the industry norm,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Within a short time, the ability to master the complexities of green construction and certification will be essential to succeeding as a building contractor.”

Sandherr said the association developed Building to LEED to meet the growing demand for green construction and design experts. He noted that the number of green buildings under construction is expected to grow by an estimated 25 percent by 2013. As a result, anyone involved in building construction will need to complete a course like the association’s new program to be successful, Sandherr added.

Starting Aug. 18, the association will begin taking orders for the Building to LEED program, which includes instructor’s guides and participants manuals to be used during the program’s one-day class. In addition to learning invaluable green construction and design skills, anyone taking the class will earn 7.5 continuing education credits that can apply to maintaining LEED certification.

Anyone interested in learning more about Building to LEED, ordering the program or finding out where the new education program is being offered should visit www.agc.org/green. Anyone can order the program, which is designed to be used by construction firms, community colleges, joint-apprenticeship training programs and construction association chapters, among other groups.

Sandherr said that the new education program was part of the association’s broader commitment to green construction. He noted that the association released, earlier this year, a comprehensive new green construction plan, “Building a Green Future,” that outlines a series of public and private measures to further increase demand for green construction.

“Policy makers need to understand that you can’t simply wish for a green future, you have to build it,” said Sandherr.

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