LEED 2009 Tiered System and

Maintenance

Jaclyn Meli, LEED® APMiller Legg

USGBC South Florida Chapter

Where is LEED Going?

Correcting our Green Discourse• As of today, anyone can become LEED APs by passing an 80 question

multiple-choice examination. It’s important to remember that individuals can become LEED accredited, whereas the buildings that they work on can become LEED-certified. That difference is important to understand.

• The words “accredited” and “certified” are often used erroneously. For

instance, some product manufacturers try to market their products as “LEED-certified,” or even their organization as “LEED-certified” if they hit a certain arbitrary threshold of LEED APs. Don’t be fooled. Only individuals can be LEED-accredited and only buildings can be LEED-certified. – www.bewareofgreenwashing.org

• Think, am I a building (certified) or a person (accredited)?

Specialty Tracks

Why USGBC Changed the LEED system

• 77,000 LEED APs nationwide, we needed a mechanism to recognize knowledge and expertise.

• Tier system, evaluates knowledge ranges from fundamental to advanced to extraordinary.

• Eligibility requirements and cost associated.

Q: What are the three levels or tiers of LEED Accreditation?Tier I

LEED Green Associate: Agree to disciplinary policy and credential maintenance guidelines. Demonstrate or document involvement in support of LEED projects. Be employed in a sustainable field of work

or engaged in an education program in green building principals and LEED. Submit to application audit.

Tier IILEED AP+ : The LEED AP+ credential signifies an extraordinary depth of knowledge in green building. 2 part exam, you must submit an application ($100) along with the test fee of $250

(member) to even qualify to take the test.

TIER IIILEED AP Fellow: LEED Fellows enter an elite class of leading professionals who are

distinguished by their years of experience and a peer review of their project portfolio. Fellows contribute to the standards of practice and body of knowledge for achieving continuous

improvement in the green building field. This is still under review and not finalized.

Q: What are the LEED AP+ specialty tracks?Operations and Maintenance (old EB) 2009 O&M

•Residential Design and Construction (HOMES) 2009 HOMES •Building Design and Construction (old NC) 2009 BD&C •Interior Design and Construction (old CI) 2009 ID&C •Neighborhood Development (ND) 2011 ND

So where do current LEED APs fit?• Q: How do I fit into the new system as a current LEED AP?

• “Legacy” LEED AP: Hold your status, but inactive.

• Become active: LEED APs who elect to opt in to the new credentialing system should note the following:Beginning in June 2009, current LEED APs have two years to opt in. For example, if you choose to opt in December of 2009, you will have until December 31, 2011 to complete you required hours of credential maintenance. 15 hours,6 geared towards LEED.

• Sign disciplinary policy and agree to CMP. You will get to use the new LEED AP+ designation and be listed in the active registry.

Current LEED APs• There is no distinction between LEED APs who become LEED AP+ and candidates

who test into the new tiered system.• Become a LEED AP+ by enrolling in the new system (agreeing to the Credentialing

Maintenance Program (CMP) and signing the disciplinary policy) complete the CMP requirements for the initial 2 year reporting period. Use one of the new specialty designations (O&M, BD&C, ID&C) after your name.

• Become a LEED AP+ by passing one of the new specialty examinations; only part 2 will be required if testing by June 2011. When applying for the exam you will need to sign the disciplinary policy and agree to credentialing maintenance. You will need to complete the ongoing CMP for your designation and can use one of the new specialty designations (O&M, BD&C, ID&C) after your name.

• FYI: You can still carry LEED AP after your name, and will remain in the LEED AP Directory, as long as you sign into the Credentialing policy and agree to obtain credits every 2 years. From what I understand, they are constantly changing this system. For now you are free to be the LEED AP of Record until told otherwise.

If you Opt to do nothing:

As of right now: if you are not a LEED AP, you have until March 31st to register for the V2.2 test and complete it. This will give you the advantage to opt into the system without

taking the new test.If you fail– you have until June 30th to retest,

after that, you will be purged from the GBCI database.

LEED 2009 NC or BD&C (Building Design and Construction)

• Predictable Development Cycle• Regionalism• Regional Design Credits• Innovation and Design• Energy Modeling Summit Premier

The New LEED Credentialing Programhttp://www.gbci.org

USGBC Broward Branch MeetingMarch 16, 200906:30 PM - 08:30 PM

Location MAPEI Corporation, 1144 East Newport Center Drive, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442