How do you identify and pursue your professional development and learning opportunities in green building?

1 Online courses and resources

One of the most convenient and accessible ways to learn about green building is to take online courses and access online resources. There are many platforms and websites that offer courses on various aspects of green building, such as design, construction, certification, performance, and sustainability. Some examples are Coursera, edX, Udemy, Green Building Education Services, and the U.S. Green Building Council. These courses can help you gain new insights, refresh your existing knowledge, or prepare for exams and credentials. You can also find online resources such as webinars, podcasts, blogs, and newsletters that provide valuable information and updates on green building topics.

2 Professional networks and associations

Another way to enhance your professional development and learning in green building is to join and participate in professional networks and associations. These are groups of people who share a common interest or goal in green building and provide opportunities for networking, mentoring, collaboration, and advocacy. Some examples are the World Green Building Council, the International Living Future Institute, the American Institute of Architects, and the Green Building Initiative. These networks and associations can help you connect with other green building experts, learn from their experiences and insights, and access exclusive events, publications, and resources.

3 Conferences and workshops

A third way to expand your learning and development in green building is to attend conferences and workshops. These are events that bring together green building practitioners, researchers, educators, and policymakers to share their knowledge, ideas, and innovations. Some examples are the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, the Living Future Unconference, the World Sustainable Built Environment Conference, and the International Conference on Green and Energy-Efficient Building. These conferences and workshops can help you learn about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in green building, as well as network with other green building professionals and stakeholders.

4 On-the-job training and projects

A fourth way to improve your learning and development in green building is to engage in on-the-job training and projects. These are activities that allow you to apply your green building knowledge and skills in real-world situations and challenges. Some examples are shadowing a green building expert, taking on a green building assignment or role, volunteering for a green building organization or initiative, or conducting a green building research or case study. These on-the-job training and projects can help you gain practical experience, feedback, and recognition in green building, as well as demonstrate your competence and value to your employer or client.

5 Self-directed learning and reflection

A fifth way to foster your learning and development in green building is to pursue self-directed learning and reflection. These are strategies that enable you to take charge of your own learning goals, preferences, and outcomes. Some examples are setting your own learning objectives, choosing your own learning resources and methods, monitoring your own learning progress and performance, and evaluating your own learning strengths and weaknesses. These self-directed learning and reflection can help you develop your autonomy, motivation, and confidence in green building, as well as identify your learning gaps and opportunities.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?