ROCKVILLE, Md. - The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) has released its new Green Associate Training Module, a DVD-based Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate test prep program. The module prepares MCAA contractors and their staff for the newly developed LEED Green Associate professional credential, designed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for sales professionals, estimators, contractor owners, and manufacturers. For project managers and those wishing to take their education a step further by earning a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP BD+C and LEED AP O+M) designation, the new credential also acts as the mandatory first step in the process.

MCAA said its three-part education program uses industry-leading faculty and allows contractors to learn without leaving their offices, saving travel time and costs. Participants begin by watching the comprehensive DVD, which explains LEED core concepts and strategies. The companion manual includes more detail and reference materials to help prepare for the LEED Green Associate exam. After completing the DVD training, participants join a live webinar - the monthly webinars begin May 18 - to review the material from the DVD and ask questions of the instructor, Courtney France. She is a LEED AP who has worked on more than 200 projects around the world that have applied the LEED green building rating system. And, MCAA produced the Green Associate Training Module in partnership with her company, France Sustainable Solutions.

In the last five years, MCAA and the Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA) noted that they have prepared over 1,000 mechanical industry professionals to become LEED Accredited Professionals through their live training programs. The new Green Associate Training Module - with its DVD and handbook, plus webinar for direct interaction with an instructor - is said to be the next step that allows contractors to prepare at their own pace, without missing time out of the office or incurring travel costs.

For more information and to purchase the module, visit www.leedgatestprep.com.

Publication date: 05/10/2010