Green. Are we?

If every human lives a life respecting the natural environment he lives in we would never need specialization in green ways and green buildings today. But we are where we are. Today green has gone from buzzword to business.  There is nothing green in buying, selling and building green. This is only business in green products. Any good is done only when the business is conscious of the reasons to engage in these products.

Not all businesses are keen on or can help in building this consciousness because green education too comes with a price. However, there are many organizations and individuals who passionately coach and support green education for free or for a nominal fee. Like me if you are in the construction industry there is loads of information on the web. If you want to take it up as an additional qualification you can attempt exams that can earn you a professional credential.

Though LEED and BREEAM may both be used for Environmental assessment of buildings around the globe, a research by Architects Journal shows that LEED sustainable building certification system dominates everywhere except in the UK where it is thoroughly established and that in due course market pressures may eventually lead UK to switch to LEED (http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/leed-outstrips-breeam-across-the-globe-including-europe/8643464.article ). There are also other third party verifications systems that are specific to countries like Green Star in Australia and New Zealand, NABERS in Japan and Green Globes in North America. Pearl is a rating system specific to the city of Abu Dhabi. For an individual who intends to be a professional in green building design, construction or maintenance, LEED may a good credential to earn at first unless you decide to remain in a place where the regional system has more prominence.

To prepare for the LEED exam start by visiting the web page for U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) at http://www.usgbc.org/ . Pat also has loads of guide at http://www.greenexamacademy.com/. Very good practice tests available withGreen Building Education Services (GBES) at http://www.gbes.com/ . You may also write to me from my contacts page for any guidance on taking the LEED exam.