ST. LOUIS – After working for months to develop an educational series aimed at professionals interested in the LEED New Construction (NC) rating system, Vertegy has confirmed that the first course in its LEED 2009 NC Project Execution series, titled “LEED 2009 NC Project Execution: Materials & Resources,” has been approved as high-quality green building education by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). With the successful approval of the course, Vertegy has now earned recognition as a USGBC Education Provider.
“Education Providers play a pivotal role by working with USGBC to provide green building professionals with diverse continuing education they need to grow their knowledge and their careers,” says Rebecca Flora, USGBC’s senior vice president for education and research. “Anyone interested in broadening and deepening their understanding of green building theory, techniques and trends will benefit from the diverse and quality course offerings from USGBC and its Education Providers.”
Before receiving approval from the USGBC, “LEED 2009 NC Project Execution: Materials & Resources” went through a rigorous review process in which a team of third-party subject matter experts evaluated it for content and instructional design quality. The 300-level course is focused toward professionals working in the green building industries who need to know the proper techniques in executing and documenting the credits found in the Materials and Resources category of the LEED 2009 for New Construction rating system. Specifically, the course will cover how the Materials and Resources credits are identified in a typical project specification, the requirements of the prerequisite and each of the credits found in this category and the proper way to document these credits. This information incorporates details from actual LEED certified projects, giving real-world examples in the application of strategies used to achieve the associated credits.
With approval by USGBC, “LEED 2009 NC Project Execution: Materials & Resources” will now help LEED professionals satisfy their Credentialing Maintenance Program requirements from the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). The course is worth three GBCI Continuing Education credit hours by USGBC.
“Growing up as a contractor and always having a love for the construction industry, I realize how important it is that contractors and other construction professionals are well-prepared for the future,” notes Thomas Taylor, general manager of Vertegy. “The new curriculum outlined in ‘LEED 2009 NC Project Execution: Materials & Resources’ will ensure that these individuals are well-versed on how the LEED Materials and Resources credits are identified in new construction so that they can successfully focus on achieving the sustainability goals of both themselves and their clients.”
This isn’t the first time Vertegy has been recruited to develop curriculum material related to the LEED rating system. The company has also collaborated with the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) to develop a course geared to contractors working on LEED NC projects. Vertegy has also developed a curriculum specifically for those preparing for their LEED Green Associate exam.
Founded in February 2005, Vertegy provides clients with design, procurement and construction consulting services for green and sustainable facilities. One of the key ways Vertegy serves clients is by helping them gain certification for their projects from various nationally and internationally recognized certification bodies, such as the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which provides LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification. Vertegy—which is derived from combining the Latin root for green and strategy—is based in St. Louis at the LEED Platinum Alberici headquarters. For more information, call (314) 733-2666 or visit www.vertegyconsultants.com.