ICC developing Green Building Professional Certification

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The International Code Council (ICC) is developing a Green Building Professional Certification Exam to demonstrate a code official’s ability to understand the application of green building technology and assess adherence with green building programs. The new certification will help provide assurances that green and sustainable buildings are also safe
"The International Code Council and its members are proud of their support to protect the public through responsible and innovative green building technology that is safe, sustainable, and affordable," said ICC CEO Rick Weiland. "The Green Building Professional Certification is a tool that communities and code officials can use to help ensure that green building programs can be implemented in a coordinated manner with the International Codes."

The Green Building Professional Certification will assess the ability to understand the green aspects of the International Codes, including the International Energy Conservation Code and the International Plumbing Code. It also will measure the level of knowledge about the leading green building rating systems such as the National Green Building Standard under development by the ICC and the National Association of Home Builders, the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, and the Green Building Initiative’s Green Globes program and associated standard. These programs generally include components that address sustainable sites, efficiencies of water, energy and other resources, indoor environmental quality, and maintenance.

"This new certification will test building safety professionals’ knowledge of green building to ensure the structure or system is safe and sustainable as provided by the various green building rating systems," said ICC Board President Steve Shapiro, director of codes compliance for Hampton, Va. "As code officials, we can have a positive impact on our communities by facilitating safe and sustainable construction while promoting the environmentally-focused features of the I-Codes."

To develop the certification, the ICC is creating an Exam Development Committee of recognized experts. Committee members must be proficient with green building practices. Individuals interested in serving can apply online at www.iccsafe.org/certification/edc/call-green2008.html, or call 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 5287.