When one thinks of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, eco-friendly buildings with innovative and sustainable design is usually what first comes to mind. Less thought of is LEED Accredited Professionals, who apply the principles and practices of the LEED Rating System.
LEED APs are individuals who become certified through the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) after demonstrating thorough knowledge of the LEED Green Building Rating System.
“In order to become a LEED AP, a candidate must pass the LEED Professional Accreditation exam which is administered by the GBCI,” Joseph Mezzanotte of Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP, said in an e-mail. “To pass the exam, a candidate must demonstrate thorough knowledge of the applicable LEED Rating System and how these principles are incorporated into the design process. A candidate must also be familiar with the LEED application and certification process (i.e. moving a project from the conceptual design phase through LEED certification).”
While LEED Accredited Professionals are mostly found in the building industry, the accreditation is not limited to architects and engineers. LEED APs can be found in most professions, including law.
Mezzanotte said LEED AP attorneys primarily work in advisory roles to clients building and financing LEED Certified buildings, municipalities drafting green building legislation, banks and lenders loaning money on LEED projects, and have begun to handle litigation arising from LEED projects.
LEED APs are relatively rare, with 43,000 individuals currently accredited in the country. Mezzanotte said LEED certified attorneys are also rare, with only 143 LEED AP attorneys in the country. Maryland currently has four LEED AP attorneys including Adam Baker of Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP and John Machen of DLA Piper, LLP.
“Some states such as New York and California have more [LEED AP attorneys]. Some have none. The number essentially depends on the state and its approach to green building,” Mezzanotte said. “It also hinges on whether there is a need for this type of specialty among the attorneys licensed to practice law in that state. Typically, states with bigger cities or states with more advanced green building legislation (New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C.) have more LEED AP attorneys than other states.”
For more information about LEED accreditation or for a directory of LEED APs visit http://www.GBCI.org.
