WASHINGTON - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has partnered with Turner Construction to launch the USGBC's first Web-based training course designed to educate building industry professionals about Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) professional accreditation requirements. LEED accreditation enables industry professionals to demonstrate their understanding of integrated design and green building practices and principles, and helps ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to manage a building project from design to LEED certification.

The three-hour Web-based course, called "Essentials of LEED Professional Accreditation," includes selected case studies, interactive learning exercises, and a practice exam with questions similar to those encountered on the LEED professional accreditation exam. "The online LEED training is one of the many innovative programs USGBC is undertaking to broaden its scope," stated Peter Templeton, vice president of Education & Research at USGBC. "We are excited about the potential to reach a broader audience and educate as many people as we can about the green building process."

The interactive course follows the Sienna Hills Library Project team as they delve into the LEED credit categories and prerequisite requirements. Divided into seven lessons, the course covers topics including the LEED rating system, coordinating a LEED project during design and construction, managing the LEED certification process, and verifying that a project meets LEED requirements. After completing the course, participants who have had supplemental education or experience to broaden their understanding of the LEED rating system will better understand the requirements for achieving accreditation and also have a better understanding of the certification process. The course is also helpful for professionals who are new to green building, or who just want to learn more about sustainable design and construction and the LEED rating process.