IDC schedules two seminars on green building design in Oct.

The Institute of Design and Construction (IDC), in affiliation with Forever Green Training & Sustainable Design, will offer two one-day seminars on green building design this fall, according to Vincent Battista, president and executive director of IDC. The eight-hour courses will be given on October 10th and 31st from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at IDC, 141 Willoughby St. Those who complete the seminar will receive a certificate of eligibility that enables them to take the LEED (Leadership for Environmental and Energy Design) for Green Associate accreditation examination, offered by the United States Green Building Council (www.USGBC.org). This accreditation was created specifically for professionals who wish to demonstrate green building expertise in non-technical fields of practice. In addition, attendees will earn eight continuing education units (CEUs). The cost for the full-day course is $200, which includes lunch and textbook. To register for this event, please visit www.LEEDtraining.com. Enrollment is limited. "This seminar will be beneficial for A/E/C professionals - including architects, interior designers, project managers, engineers and marketing folks - who already have basic knowledge of green design, construction, and operation," said Battista. He adds that IDC also offers a 16-week beginner's course for those who do not have a background in sustainable design. Additional information is available at www.IDC.edu. Irene Santoro, LEED-AP, founder and president of Excel Design & Construction Inc., Charles Anthony Interiors, LLC and Forever Green (the latter two are USGBC members), will be the instructor for the seminars. Santoro is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology with 17 years of design experience. She is currently redesigning her own beachfront home to meet the standards for LEED-certification. Santoro has written several preparatory books that coordinate with the LEED reference guides. These books include: The Green Building Design & Construction V3, Green Associate Plus and The Green Real Estate Guide to LEED Certified Building & Sustainable Design. Founded in 1947 by Vito P. Battista, R.A., IDC is a private, nonprofit institution registered by the New York State Department of Education, accredited by the New York State Board of Regents and authorized to confer associate degrees in occupational studies. For more information about IDC, please visit www.idc.edu.