In this issue—in which CE News presents a special report called, "Green Solutions"—as in many past issues, you’ll see contributing authors with the credential indicating that they are a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP). This certification is becoming increasingly popular in civil engineering, as in the broader building industry. With no prerequisites to take the exam, the more than 46,000 people who have earned LEED AP since it was implemented in 2001 include a diverse mix of professionals such as civil engineers, interior designers, architects, landscape architects, planners, and others.

The program is administered under the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), a separately incorporated entity with the support of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). GBCI manages all aspects of the LEED Professional Accreditation program, including exam development, registration, and delivery. Additionally, the GBCI will oversee development and implementation of a maintenance program for LEED AP credential holders—details will be announced this year. Meanwhile, the USGBC develops the LEED Rating System and offers LEED-based education programs.

According to GBCI, "A LEED AP is an individual who has passed the exam and possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the design process, to support and encourage integrated design, and to streamline the application and certification process." Candidates need to pass one of the following exam tracks: LEED for New Construction, LEED for Commercial Interiors, or LEED for Existing Buildings. The exam is computer-based and is offered at more than 275 Prometric test sites in the United States and at more sites around the world. The exam fee is $300 for USGBC national members and $400 for non-members.

As described in the LEED Professional Accreditation Candidate Handbook, a useful resource about the examination process that is available for free download at www.gbci.org, the exam measures a candidate’s ability to facilitate the integrated design process, his or her knowledge of the LEED Rating System, and the resources and processes involved with the project certification process. The main source of study material for the LEED AP exam is one of the LEED Reference Guides (available for purchase through the USGBC) for the track the candidate will be tested for.

An important consideration in taking the exam in the latter part of 2008 or early 2009 is that the USGBC is in the process of instituting a new rating system, called LEED 2009 (formerly known as LEED V3). LEED 2009 includes LEED for New Construction, LEED for Existing Buildings, LEED for Commercial Interiors, LEED for Core and Shell, and LEED for Schools. With a new rating system on the horizon, it is important to note that once the new rating system is finalized and launches in early 2009, the GBCI will update the exam to reflect the changes. However, the current version of the LEED AP exam will be available through the end of 2008.

I’m sure many CE News readers are interested in obtaining LEED AP and that many firms are considering whether they should encourage staff to obtain LEED AP. If an individual has a desire, and a firm will support service offerings associated with green design, seeking accreditation will open up opportunities for both parties. It is a marketable credential and allows eligibility to participate in projects in which the owner is interested in, or better yet, mandates application for LEED certification or at least desires a LEED AP to be on the team. I believe this will become more and more commonplace in the future.