New Credentialing Organization Launched for Green Building Professionals

A newly incorporated entity, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), has been established with the support of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to administer credentialing programs related to green building practice and standards. GBCI was created to develop and administer credentialing programs aimed at improving green building practices. 

"Credentialing programs support the application of proven strategies for increasing and measuring the performance of buildings and communities as defined by industry systems such as the LEED Green Building Rating Systems," comments Peter Templeton, vice president of education and research, USGBC. 

GBCI will ensure that the LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) program will continue to be developed in accordance with best practices for credentialing programs. To underscore this commitment, GBCI will undergo the ANSI accreditation process for personnel certification agencies complying with ISO Standard 17024.

In January 2008, USGBC will transfer responsibility for the ongoing administration of the LEED Professional Accreditation program to GBCI; GBCI will manage all aspects of the LEED AP program, including exam development, registration, and delivery. GBCI will also oversee the development of the maintenance program for LEED AP credential holders.

The GBCI website is the place to learn about LEED AP, register for the LEED AP Exam, find LEED APs in your area, access your LEED AP exam records, and manage your LEED AP Directory listing.

Though the GBCI will serve as the independent administrator of the LEED Professional Accreditation program, the USGBC will continue to manage the development of the LEED Green Building Rating System and to provide related resources and educational offerings. Current LEED Accredited Professionals will not have to do anything, and their credential will not be affected with this change. All activities related to the development and delivery of the LEED AP program will be managed by GBCI staff and volunteers. GBCI encourages LEED AP credential holders to volunteer to support the continuous improvement of the program.