In these eco-conscious days, the average person is concerned about saving money and energy, and design professionals are constantly looking for proficient and innovative ways to go green.
The University’s Continuing Education Department is currently collaborating with Everblue Training Institute to create green design courses. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Associate course is designed to teach
professionals a “basic knowledge of green design, constructions and operations,” according to an Aug. 8 news release.
The course will be divided into two sessions. The first will take
place in September in New Orleans, and the second will take place in December at the LSU AgCenter’s LaHouse on the southwest edge of campus.
LaHouse was built with an energy efficient design in 2008 and is located on Gourrier Avenue between Nicholson Drive and River Road.
LEED is the most notable environmental design and green building certification in the U.S., according to the news release, and the exam preparation course is open for continuing education credit.
“The LEED Green Associate is the leading standard for environmentally sustainable building and provides the foundational knowledge for those interested in green construction,” said Vince Difrancesco, program manager of Building Performance Institute, in the news release. “Individuals obtaining this title gain a competitive edge in today’s job market, even with no prior experience in green construction.”
Federal and state governments have been trying to establish more energy efficient homes and businesses, and more professionals will have the knowledge and training to save additional energy with the LEED Green Associate course.
“This specific course is aimed toward working professionals in the Gulf coast area,” said Melissa Stafford, program coordinator of the Continuing Education Department. “The majority of participants are architects, interior designers and engineers, but we also hope to further expand to other professions.”
The course includes classroom training as well as field training, in which participants are taught to use professional tools like natural gas detectors, carbon monoxide testers and manometers.
After successfully completing the course, participants take the LEED Green Associate exam, which is managed by the Green Building Certification Institute and the U.S. Green Building Council.
—-
Contact Kate Mabry at [email protected]