What are the best resources for green building career development?

1 Certification programs

One of the most recognized and respected credentials for green building professionals is the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. LEED is a rating system that evaluates the sustainability performance of buildings and projects across different categories, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and materials selection. To become a LEED accredited professional, you need to pass an exam that tests your knowledge of the LEED standards and best practices. You can prepare for the exam by taking online courses, reading study guides, and practicing with mock tests. There are different levels of LEED certification, depending on your experience and specialization.

3 Professional associations

Joining a professional association is a great way to network with other green building professionals, access industry news and events, and benefit from career support and guidance. There are several professional associations that cater to different segments and interests of the green building community, such as the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Green Building Initiative (GBI), the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). These associations offer membership benefits such as discounts, publications, webinars, workshops, and certifications. They also host conferences and forums where you can meet and learn from experts and peers.

4 Job boards

If you are looking for a green building job, you might want to check out some of the specialized job boards that focus on this sector. These job boards can help you find opportunities that match your skills, qualifications, and interests, as well as provide information on the latest trends and developments in the field. Some of the job boards you can explore include GreenBiz, Green Jobs Network, Green Dream Jobs, and Sustainability Careers. You can also use general job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor, and filter your search by keywords, location, and industry.

5 Blogs and podcasts

Another resource that can help you stay updated and informed about green building is blogs and podcasts. Blogs and podcasts are easy and engaging ways to consume content that covers various aspects of green building, such as innovations, challenges, solutions, and case studies. You can learn from the insights and experiences of green building experts, practitioners, and enthusiasts, as well as discover new ideas and perspectives. Some of the blogs and podcasts you can follow include Green Building Advisor, BuildingGreen, Green Home Institute, The Green Architects' Lounge, and The Green Building Matters Podcast.

6 Books and magazines

Finally, you can also enrich your green building knowledge and skills by reading books and magazines that delve into the theory and practice of this field. Books and magazines can provide you with comprehensive and in-depth information on green building concepts, principles, strategies, and examples. You can find books and magazines that cover different topics and levels of green building, such as green building fundamentals, green building design and engineering, green building codes and standards, and green building case studies and best practices. Some of the books and magazines you can read include The Greenest Home, Sustainable Construction, Green Building Illustrated, Environmental Building News, and Green Builder.