LEED-ND Pilot Course Seeks Volunteers

by Joanna Beiter Muench, USGBC

USGBC is looking for volunteers to participate in a pilot, instructor-led workshop prior to launch of its new course, "LEED for Neighborhood Development: Core Concepts and Strategies." The pilot course will take place in Washington, DC on October 14, 2009.

Qualified candidates to register for the free workshop will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. The pilot course will be delivered at the USGBC headquarters at 2101 L St., NW, Washington, DC, from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Qualified participants will receive: * Instruction from a qualified LEED faculty trained in adult learning techniques * A participant handbook * A certificate of completion, eligible for 7 hours of continuing education with AIA * Upon completion of the course, access to supplemental resources To register, email Joanna Muench at jmuench@usgbc.org by no later than Monday, October 5. Course Description: LEED for Neighborhood Development: Core Concepts & Strategies This workshop introduces the intent, key elements, main requirements and unique aspects of the LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System. Workshop participants will gain a solid understanding of the core concepts and strategies behind a successful green neighborhood development. Led by official USGBC LEED Faculty who are LEED and facilitation experts, the workshop covers the principles and benefits of green design, smart growth and New Urbanism as it relates to LEED for Neighborhood Development. It presents the background, unique aspects and limitations, and specific certification stages and processes of this rating system. The course provides an initial understanding of the scope of LEED for Neighborhood Development, examining all prerequisites and many credits in the rating system�¢ï¿½ï¿½s three credit categories: Site Location and Linkage, Neighborhood Planning and Design, and Green Infrastructure and Building. Participants are introduced to the characteristics of site plans and projects that may be appropriate candidates for LEED certification and throughout the day, engage in discussions and interactive activities to understand core LEED for Neighborhood Development concepts, synergies, and lessons learned on real-life LEED projects. This workshop is intended for professionals who are familiar with the basic concepts of LEED and other rating systems, and/or for professionals working in neighborhood development but not yet experienced with LEED. It is appropriate for individuals who are pursuing GBCI�¢ï¿½ï¿½s LEED AP Neighborhood Development credential (available Spring 2010). The course addresses the needs of all key stakeholders in a green neighborhood project, including planners, urban designers, architects, engineers, and developers. LEARNING OBJECTIVES �¯ï¿½�¼ Communicate the unique aspects and limitations of LEED for Neighborhood Development �¯ï¿½�¼ Describe principles and benefits of green design, smart growth and New Urbanism as it relates to LEED for Neighborhood Development �¯ï¿½�¼ Discuss the prerequisites and major credit requirements, including intents and critical definitions, of the LEED for Neighborhood Development rating system �¯ï¿½�¼ Determine if a project is eligible for LEED for Neighborhood Development �¯ï¿½�¼ Explain the stages involved in the LEED for Neighborhood Development certification process �¯ï¿½�¼ Describe the range of LEED for Neighborhood Development project types and strategies RECOMMENDED PRIOR KNOWLEDGE To ensure that you make the most of this workshop, you should be familiar with the basic concepts, elements and goals of green building, LEED and/or neighborhood development. If you are not yet familiar with these concepts, we encourage you to take Green Building Basics & LEED or the LEED for Neighborhood Development: Sustainability Beyond Buildings webinar series to build your knowledge to the appropriate level before you take this 200-level workshop. Visit www.greenbuild365.org for more information and to register. This course, like all USGBC LEED education programs, meets GBCI eligibility requirements for the LEED Green Associate and GBCI credential maintenance program.