Participate in the Mid-Atlantic region’s first comprehensive employer survey to identify “green” employment and training opportunities. The Green Jobs Survey was recently mailed to 35,000 employers located across the region. The survey defines a green job as one that involves producing a product or service in one or more of the following seven categories:
- Renewable energy and alternative fuels
- Energy efficiency and energy conservation
- Greenhouse gas reduction
- Pollution reduction and cleanup
- Recycling and waste reduction
- Sustainable agricultural and natural resources conservation
- Education, compliance, public awareness, and training directly related to green jobs
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is partnering with this regional effort to encourage employers receiving the survey to quickly complete it, and mail it back in the attached postage-paid envelope. While the initial survey is a paper-pencil mailed survey, respondents will also have the option of completing the survey online or by phone. The survey closes at the end of August.
The results of this inaugural Green Jobs Survey will assist both employers hiring skilled workers and skilled workers pursing new employment. Survey results will also establish a baseline from which to measure future growth of green industries and jobs. In addition, information from the survey will assist policy makers to better align education and training opportunities and create a better prepared workforce to support the region’s expanding green industries. Initial results of the survey will be available mid-October and a final comprehensive report will be available in early 2011. Learn more.
BP America’s Northwest D.C. interior office space has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification at the platinum level.
According to an article by the Washington Business Journal, the commercial interior project is one of 13 nationwide to earn platinum certification, and includes a lighting control system and materials made from recyclable materials among its green features.
Read the full Washington Business Journal article here.
Francie Cohen Spahn, an attorney with Saul Ewing LLP, is now one of 10 Maryland attorneys who are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professionals. Fewer than 120 attorneys hold the accreditation according to a release from the firm.
LEED APs are individuals who have demonstrated a thorough knowledge of green building and the LEED Green Building Rating System. The Green Building Certification Institute awards the certification.
Spahn is a green building attorney in Saul Ewing’s Real Estate Department. Spahn’s recent projects include Howard County’s Waverly Gardens, one of the first multi-unit complexes to be constructed under the U.S. Green Bulding Council guidelines, the release said.
For more information about LEED accreditation visit www.gbci.org.
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.
