This course demystifies green jargon and gives scientific explanations of concepts like synergy, embodied energy, renewable vs. sustainable, green power and global warming vs. ozone depletion. Students will understand technologies like geothermal, fuel cells, PV vs. thermal solar, graywater reclamation, and more. An overview of LEED, Energy Star and National Association of Homebuilders rating systems is included. Students are also provided an analysis of financial incentives available for green projects.

In this course, students will cover the following topics: What is a Green building?, How Green Design is different, Green Materials, Green Technology, LEED Procedures, Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Air Quality, Innovation and Design process, Green Finance - How much Green can I save? & How Real Estate Professionals can benefit by understanding Green. Also, the following Fair Housing Topics will be covered: Fair Housing Concepts, History & Legislation, and Fair Housing Today ( 22.CE Credits).

The President of the Appraisal Institute recently compared green design to air conditioning: first a luxury, now a necessity. However, valuation of green properties has been a real challenge for appraisers. This course addresses the salient issues, including comparables, bank financing, calculating return on investment, life-cycle costing and more. Appraisers are provided with all available tools to inform their opinions of value on green properties.

America’s economy has already begun to transition to conservation and new green technologies. A revolution is occurring in the job market. Much has been said about green jobs like solar installation, weatherization and LEED consulting. But what if students want to use the skills they already possess in a green setting? This course shows how to apply green concepts to virtually any career. Students will learn how to be a green bookkeeper, mortgage broker, lawyer, retail salesperson, office manager, interior designer, food service professional, and more.

The number one concern of building owners, whether commercial or private, is funding for green measures. Everyone has heard about government incentives, tax relief, favorable renovation loans, and so forth. But these programs are complicated and difficult to find. This course examines the types of funding available, funding levels, and how, where and when to apply. Students will be provided with the tools to perform funding research and applications on their own projects.

Most people understand that green buildings utilize alternative technologies, but are unclear about what these are and how they work. This course uses photos, diagrams and even hand drawings to simplify complex concepts. Students will leave with a solid understanding of the 3 types of solar technology, green roof systems, geothermal heat pump vs. geothermal ground source, on-site wastewater treatment, and more. The study materials are so clear that a technical background is not required to benefit from this course. Attendance is highly recommended for anyone in the building industry, including real estate brokers, who are often asked to explain what technologies make a building green.

Any business with customer contact is under pressure to go green. In fact, it is difficult to find a consumer-oriented business, from banks to pet stores, which doesn’t profess to be green. But how does a business earnestly convert to green practices and truly adhere to green principles? Aside from public relations, what are the benefits of green business? This course covers the appropriate procedures and technologies, shows ways to project energy savings, and estimates costs and benefits of green practice. Students will receive tools for quantifying efficiency as well as suggestions for low cost/no cost green measures.

"A common question is, What was the first green building? This course answers that question and looks at the history of the green movement, including the contributions of the world’s great architects. Students will learn about LEED-certified buildings, the rebirth of traditional/indigenous architecture, and exciting new trends like Passiv Haus, which has no heating or cooling system. A powerpoint presentation guides students on a world tour of green architecture, and even examines renderings of as yet unbuilt structures. This course is recommended for individuals from all career backgrounds, not just architecture."

"Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is a point system for rating green buildings developed by U.S. Green Building Council. Individuals may obtain a certificate demonstrating their mastery of green principles by passing a challenging 3rd party Green Associate test administered by Green Building Certification Institute. To qualify for the test, candidates must have experience in a related green career OR take a course in green building principles."

LEED AP is a career track for many individuals, and the demanding 3rd party test requires commitment by exam candidates. This intensive course covers the LEED checklist along with intents, requirements, strategies, documentation and calculations. It also examines LEED processes and procedures. This course has been field-tested around the state and has consistently received a documented 100% student approval rating. Architects and engineers, as well as individuals with non-technical backgrounds, find this an excellent program for becoming an Accredited Professional. Pre-requisite: Green Associate