USGBC-LI administers quarterly spring LEED Green Associates study group

The U.S. Green Building Council Long Island Chapter (USGBC-LI) recently administered its spring LEED Green Associates study group at its headquarters. Held on a quarterly basis by the USGBC-LI, the study group consists of seven, two-hour classes that help prepare participants for the LEED Green Associate accreditation exam, the USGBC's entry-level credential for professionals who want to demonstrate basic knowledge of green design, construction and operations. "When you take the class you learn what the USGBC and LEED are all about," said Paul Meyer, an engineer, LEED accredited professional, and the USGBC-LI education committee chairperson. "The class is in depth and great for people who really want to know and understand what LEED means." Since developing and administering the study group for the USGBC-LI over three years ago, Meyer estimated that roughly 500 participants have come through the program. The study group has evolved over that time, employing different LEED accredited professionals to teach the various credit categories (sustainable sites, water efficiencies, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality), one of which is covered in every class. "I feel you have to have real world experience to teach," Meyer said. "Anyone can read slides, but it's better to have anecdotes from real life." The 2011 spring study group was attended by 23 participants, mostly contractors, but also including engineers, architects, and other professionals. According to Meyer, the class was small in comparison to years past when the USGBC-LI study group has been attend by as many as 65 participants at a time. The USGBC-LI summer study group is not yet scheduled. When it is, dates and registration for the study group will be posted on the calendar section of the chapter's website: www.usgbc-li.org.