R.I. Green Building Council launches education program starting August 19

As a result of the Rhode Island Green Building Council's energetic advocacy efforts over the past two years, the state is now a hotbed of education and training for the green sector as various new state laws go into effect. Jack Leyden, RIGBC board member and State Building Code commissioner, has embarked on one of the most aggressive education and recertification efforts ever for building officials, architects, engineers, builders and trades people due to changes in the international energy conservation code, mechanical, plumbing and fuel gas codes. Enabling legislation that was championed in 2009 by the RIGBC resulted in a significant infusion of federal stimulus funds for Rhode Island with some $250,000 for education finally hitting the streets. Leyden is on a 90-day blitz across the state to deliver as many free seminars as possible The Green Buildings Act, effective Jan. 1, 2010, requires that public building projects be designed and built according to a high performance green building standard. The Act also created a technical advisory committee under Leyden's purview. Rules and regulations that consider the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED rating system as well as the International Green Construction Code as equivalent green building standards are drafted and open for public comment. Starting on August 19th, the RIGBC has planned a series of tiered trainings for individuals who want to become proficient in the LEED standard, first, with a short course/ exam preparation for the nontechnical Green Associate credential followed by a more advanced workshop on Sept. 30th for individuals pursuing a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) designation. Fall education offerings of the RIGBC include September's Gallery Night in the capital city where LEED project profiles will be featured in the AIA-RI Chapter's Window on Architecture space, a tour of green buildings in conjunction with NESEA's regional Green Buildings Open House and a special workshop on retro-commissioning existing buildings in October. "We are very excited to be a resource and hub for Rhode Island's growing green community," said RIGBC interim executive director Connie McGreavy. "We are pleased to provide opportunities for individuals to learn and earn continuing education credits through various industry associations". For more information visit www.usgbcRI.org and click on events. The primary mission of the Rhode Island Green Building Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is to transform the way buildings are designed, built and operated in the state of Rhode Island in order to promote environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, aesthetically pleasing and durable communities that protect the state's cultural heritage and natural environment and improve the quality of life. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building certification program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities