Green Building Design Training and Certification Programs

Dec. 7, 2009 - PRLog -- Green Building Programs

Concentration #1- Green Infrastructure Guidelines Certification Program

This program outlines the range of "Green" possibilities available in Infrastructure.
It is for those involved in Infrastructure planning, design, construction and maintenance. After completing this course you will be able to:

•Assess sites and identify opportunities to implement Best Management Practices (BMP’s)including soil testing, hydrologic analysis, vegetation assessment, and invasive species evaluation
•Have working knowledge of a template for design and implementation of Green Building concepts applicable to cities and municipalities.
•Understand pavement lifecycles, pervious vs. impervious pavement, albedo or reflectivity of pavement, pavement materials, devising a materials program, and different material applications.
•Understand mechanisms to affect right-of-way construction by private utilities, technology to minimize pavement damage and degradation, and the upgrades to utility installation and maintenance.
•Understand integrated stormwater management planning, water pollution prevention, construction runoff prevention, surface pre-treatments for filtering runoff, catch basin inserts and water quality inlets, detention and infiltration structures, and constructed wetlands.
•Understand construction practices such as site protection, plan development, protecting water sources and planted areas, developing waste management and recycling plans, and minimizing construction and recycling impacts.

This program includes the following modules to give the student a complete overview of Green Infrastructure Guidelines:
Green Infrastructure 1: Introduction to High Performance Guidelines
Green Infrastructure 2: Best Practices for Site Assessment
Green Infrastructure 3: Best Practices for Streetscape
Green Infrastructure 5: Best Practices for Utilities
Green Infrastructure 6: Best Practices for Stormwater Management
Green Infrastructure 7: Best Practices for Landscape
Green Infrastructure 8: Best Practices for Construction Practices

Concentration # 2 - Green Building Commercial Certification Program

High performance buildings maximize operational energy savings; improve comfort, health, and safety of occupants and visitors; and limit detrimental effects on the environment. This program provides instruction in the new methodologies that form the underpinnings of high performance commercial and municipal buildings. Coverage includes how these practices may be implemented within existing frameworks of municipal capital project administration and facility management. These Guidelines promote careful study of all stages in project development to ensure the fiscal integrity of the commercial project. They also encourage the formulation of responsible budgets at the planning stage. Further, they help the design team to identify any high performance cost premiums (together with cost savings) and to justify them to the Owner’s satisfaction.  This course is valuable to those in Architecture, Project Management, and Engineering who will likely be involved in developing applications for LEED certification for their buildings.
After completing this course you will be able to:
•Describe Green Building Principles and Practices as they apply to Commercial Buildings
•Recognize how to raise expectations for the facilities performance.
•Implement these improved practices that improve the capital budgeting design and construction practices, thus promoting investments that make economic  and environmental sense.
•Implement these improved practices through:
•Comprehensive pilot high performance building efforts
•Incremental use of individual high performance strategies on projects of limited scope.
•Save money through reduced energy and material expenditures, waste disposal costs and utility bills.
•Improve the comfort, health, and well being of building occupants and public visitors.

Design buildings with improved performance that can be operated and maintained within the limits of existing resources.

Concentration # 3 - Residential Green Remodeling - Design, Construction, and Certification Program

This 6-hour program provides a comprehensive treatment of Green Remodeling. Emphasis is on how Green Remodeling differs from Green Building. The unique aspects of Green Remodeling are treated in detail, with particular emphasis on building evaluation, deconstruction, handling of hazardous waste, materials recycling and reuse, energy conservation, indoor air quality, use of environmentally safe products, design principles, system planning and construction best practices. An overview of personal and building certification programs is complemented by a discussion of incentives available from government sources.

This course is particularly valuable to individuals who need an overview of Green Building as it relates to remodeling of existing residences. This includes fields such as construction worker or manager, realtor, house inspector, landscape architects, interior designer, HVAC specialist, facility manager, mechanical engineer and civil engineer.

Course Topics:
After completing this course you will be able to articulate and implement:
1. Green Building Design Principles and Practices
2. Sustainable Design Concepts
3. Deconstruction and Recycling Methods
4. Green Construction Techniques
5. Green Building versus Green Remodeling
6. Green Energy Management and Optimization
7. Certification Options for Individuals and the Home


Concentration # 4 - Residential Green Building Design and Construction Certification Program
Green Building is rapidly becoming mainstream, mostly due to increasing environmental concerns, a desire to develop healthier structures and increasing regulation from permitting authorities. This course takes a close look at green building in relation to main aspects of design and construction, including issues dealing with sites, landscaping, foundations, frames, exterior finishes, plumbing, appliances, insulation, ventilation, windows, finishes, and flooring.

This course is particularly valuable to individuals who need an overview of Green Building as it relates to new residential construction. This includes fields such as construction worker or manager, realtor, house inspector, landscape architects, interior designer, HVAC specialist, facility manager, mechanical engineer and civil engineer.

Course Topics:
After completing this course, you will be able to:
•Describe Green Building principles and practices
•Discuss Green Energy Management and Optimization
•Explain Sustainable Design concepts
•Implement Green Building Design Principles
•Describe Green Construction Techniques
•Choose Certification options for both individuals and the organization

This course concludes with information on testing, certification, and accreditation, including a look at the LEED program and the NAHB Green Home Certification Program.

Occupational Outlook:
Green jobs have been growing rapidly in the US. According to a recent report by the Pew Charitable Trust, green jobs have increased by over 9% a year since 2000, compared just 3% for the overall economy. This trend is expected to continue as spending on new green construction and on green renovation is expected to double over the next 5 years. Those whose jobs include building, maintaining or selling residential or commercial properties are well advised to get training on green techniques in order to be prepared for the changes that are coming.

For more details - Go to
http://www.bfenvironmental.com/certified.php

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