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News & Announcements3/21/2011 | BLJC's LEED APs encouraged to opt in to new certification BLJC is encouraging its approximate 100 certified staff members to opt in to a new LEED certification program by this fall to maintain their credentials. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification indicates that a building’s construction and/or maintenance uses energy efficient and environmentally friendly strategies as outlined by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). The GBCI provides a series of exams to certify individuals as LEED accredited professionals (APs) or Green Associates (GAs). Director of sustainability Mike Wymant says LEED APs of BLJC who were accredited prior to 2010 should opt in to the new program before October to become LEED AP Plus. The LEED AP Plus clarifies an area of specialty like building design and construction (GC&D); interior design and construction (ID&C); and operations and maintenance (O&M). By enrolling in the new program, APs agree to maintain their credentials by earning 30 hours of continued education every two years and a $50 renewal fee. “The 30 hours of continuing education is pretty easy to achieve by attending conventions and volunteering with local chapters across Canada,” says Wymant, adding “with those two things you should very easily be able to hit 15 hours per year.” Wymant hosts classes for anyone interested in becoming accredited, a $450 value, for free, to encouraging staff to get involved in sustainable initiatives wherever possible. “We’re planning on doing a class in the first week of May based on interest, so if we get enough responses, we’ll have a class in the first week of May in Markham,” he says. “BLJC is really recognized as an industry leader in sustainability,” says Wymant, adding “it sets us apart in the industry and shows that we’re dedicated as a company to sustainable initiatives.” The class is less than two hours long and serves as preparation for taking the exam to become a Green Associate. If anyone is interested in attending the class they’re encouraged to contact Wymant by e-mail at michael.wymant@bljc.com. |
