Education
The first step in sustainability is knowing where to start. Education is the key to understanding how your building affects the environment and what can be done to move forward with creating a green program or obtaining a LEED certification. Sustainable Partners offers the following LEED training classes. For specific class information and to register and pay for classes, please visit our registration page at http://sustainablepartnersllc.eventbrite.com/.
Introduction to LEED v3
In order to facilitate continued sustainability in buildings, the USGBC has established Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for the commercial industry. Responding to advancements in building design and construction, product selection and energy trends, the USGBC launched LEED v3 on April 27, 2009. Our Introduction to LEED v3 class will educate you on the differences between LEED v2 and v3 so that you are prepared for any upcoming LEED v3 building certifications.
LEED Certification Prerequisites
When pursuing LEED certification for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance, a building must meet certain specific prerequisites as outlined by the USGBC. Our LEED Certification Prerequisites class will help walk you through those specific requirements ensuring that you are fully prepared to address prerequisites for your next LEED project.
Benchmarking Your Building
You can only measure what you know your building is using. For many, knowing where to begin measurement is the hardest part in pursuing a more sustainable building. Our Benchmarking Your Building class outlines specific strategies for establishing a benchmark (baseline) for energy use, water use and waste generation throughout your building(s).
LEED Programs and Policies
There are specific programs and policies which your building(s) must have in place in order to receive the USGBC's LEED certification. Our Programs and Policies class will walk you through each specific Program and Policy so that you are completely educated when pursuing LEED certification.
ASHRAE Level I & II Energy Auditing
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has established specific procedures for commercial building audits. These procedures, commonly referred to as ASHRAE Level I & II energy audits, are integral components of a LEED program. Our ASHRAE Level I & II Energy Auditing class will walk you through the proper way to conduct an energy audit of your building in accordance with ASHRAE standards.
Building Commissioning
Whether you are pursuing LEED certification for New Construction or Existing Buildings, commissioning will be an integral part of the project process. This class is a detailed overview of what building commissioning is and how it effects your LEED certification whether you are a building owner, property manager or building tenant.
Water Reduction: Best Practices
Water use within commercial buildings affects both bottom lines as well as valuable water resources. However, the USGBC reports that water efficiency measures can effectively reduce water use in commercial buildings by 30% or more. This class details practices for monitoring water consumption performance, reducing indoor potable water consumption and practicing water-efficient landscaping - several of which require little to no cost to implement and have immediate environmental benefits.
Sustainable Purchasing
Purchasing consumable products for office buildings carries both environmental and financial impacts for your business. The distribution and disposal of those products also generates inherent emissions and required landfill space. This class details options and strategies for purchasing with sustainability in mind - greatly reduce the environmental impact of your business
Waste Diversion: Best Practices
Everyday building operations generate ongoing waste and toxins. These items must then be properly hauled off-site and disposed of in landfills - an expensive proposition for all involved parties. Waste Diversion: Best Practices covers proven strategies for reducing commercial building waste.