I found this article, 5 reasons it’s worth it to become a LEED professional, to be very honest and true. The article started out talking about the changing times of our economy and professional fields, most of the change being not positive. But the environmental sustainability field is unique field for this time, it’s growing rapidly. This field is expanding mainly because of the long-term economic possibilities and political popularity. The sustainability field is linked directly to LEED. Seeing these common trends it makes sense why people are becoming LEED professionals. The article states not only is becoming a LEED professional benefit for ones self and career, but also our world as a whole. The first point Christopher Gray touched on is the demand for LEED professionals is becoming more prevalent. The demand for LEED professionals has grown 46% over the past year. The second reason is the labor demand is unlimited for LEED professionals. According to the UNEP Buildings and Climate Change contributed to 30% of green house gas emissions globally. We need to transform the built environment and it is going to take LEED professionals to do so. This also has a direct relation the US demand for LEED buildings making more jobs available for those LEED professionals. The third reason Gray mentioned was the fact that the only global green building rating system is LEED. Therefore, LEED professional attributes are in high demand and are globally marketable. By becoming LEED professional you are that much more competitive.
The fourth theory remaining is that LEED professionals will profit from the increasing need for sustainable products. The built environment as a whole is shifting which triggers a domino affect in all the adjacent fields. Global awareness about sustainability is going up and it’s not only with the built environment. The government is also getting involved with funding for new sustainable programs. The last and final reason talks about the dramatic roles LEED will play in climate change and how necessary LEED professionals support is. Overall, the built environment is beginning to change for the better and we are finally being proactive and making a change. This would not be possible without a rating system and community of LEED.
Source
Gray, Christopher. "5 Reasons It's worth It to Become a LEED Professional." USGBC. USGBC, 15 Dec. 2014. Web. 9 Oct. 2014.
Image: http://republicstorage.com/resource_center/leed_info
Becoming a LEED professional is proving itself to be more and more useful. Not only is being sustainable important to be able to maintain precious resources, being a LEED certified designer also gives a special insight that a designer may not otherwise have. In this competitive career market, being a LEED credited designer really stands out.
ReplyDeleteSustainability is has been an issue for awhile now and is starting to receive more and more attention. Becoming a LEED certified professional is a great application to have on your resume from any stand point. Being knowledgeable about sustainable products and being able to help the planet and save your clients money is also a great plus.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree. As someone who just recently became a LEED Green Associate, I can say from firsthand experience that the material we're required to know for LEED has a huge impact on (and relevance to) the work we will be doing in the real world. I think things like LEED are a perfect way to better yourself while also helping the world!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, Mary Claire. LEED has become such a prominent factor in our industry and has made a huge impact already on our growing and living environment. It is crucial we, as designers, become well versed on the focus of the industry and sustainability is a top priority for most applications and projects. LEED is also a great way to further our skills and make a difference.
ReplyDeleteMary Claire, I think that this is a great topic to write about. It is so relevant in our world today and has a really large impact on our industry. Personally, becoming a LEED Green Associate was one of the best decisions I've made. Not only is it a selling point on my resume, but I learned so much about the environment and how necessary it is to start protecting it. Becoming LEED certified is a wonderful way to stay involved and to make a lasting and meaningful difference in the world.
ReplyDeleteThis blog is so relevant to our major. Becoming a LEED Green Associate allows our clients to trust in our knowledge of environmental friendly initiatives and recognize the importance of designing with the environment in mind. It is important to better this world by designing spaces that are healthy for the planet; Becoming a LEED certified designer gives us the necessary foundation to persuade our clients in the same direction as well as providing us with the continued education and connections needed to stay current with the environmental friendly inititive that is so important to not only our field but the whole world.
ReplyDeleteGreat discussion! I love the way you are all adding to the discussion rather than merely stating "I agree".
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy this post. I have had many potential employers ask if I plan to become LEED certified. It is an important part of the design industry and I look forward to taking the exam myself.
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