Green Design: Introduction to Sustainability and Measurement Systems

Achieving sustainable development is perhaps one of the most difficult and one of the most pressing goals we face. It requires on the part of all of us commitment, action, partnerships and, sometimes, sacrifices of our traditional life patterns and personal interests.

In this 1-hour interactive online course, we discuss the concept of sustainability and the need for ways to rate the sustainability of a building design. In addition, the course describes three rating systems developed by the US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the goals each strives to achieve: LEED for New Construction (NC), LEED for Existing Buildings (EB) and LEED for Commercial Interiors (CI).

The course also outlines for a prospective candidate the process of becoming a LEED Accredited Professional and finally, compares other green building rating systems to the USGBC system.