Montclair State Hosts USGBC Professional Development

In February 2014, the Division of University Facilities collaborated with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) New Jersey Chapter to host two on-campus LEED professional development workshops that catered to the educational development of the campus community, including University Facilities staff. Building design and construction professionals from the external community were also participants at the workshops. Montclair State’s Facilities participants included project managers with professional expertise in architecture, engineering, HVAC maintenance, health and safety and sustainability. The workshops were enabled through a Customized Training Grant from the state to the USGBC to upgrade the knowledge and skills of the NJ workforce in a pertinent capacity.

In view of the present environmental and socio-economic challenges posed by climate change, the workshops fulfill a critical goal to enhance the capacities of the university’s staff to respond effectively and efficiently to these challenges. A significant response will additionally ensure that our buildings are more sustainable and will enhance the occupants’ quality of life and productivity. Montclair State, in keeping with one of the goals of the American Colleges and University Presidents’ Climate Change 2007 agreement, pursues LEED certification (at least silver) for its buildings. The workshops are therefore, a strategic response to ensure that staff knowledge is enhanced to develop and engineer the applicable strategies and measurements to acquire LEED credit goals.

An expected outcome goal of the majority of the attendees was to gain accreditation as a LEED Green Associate (LEED-GA) or LEED Accredited Professional (LEED-AP) in Building Design + Construction. The 201 Core Concepts & Strategies Examination Preparation Course focused on preparing the participants for the accreditation process. The main intent was for participants to develop an understanding of the fundamental elements of the LEED rating systems, including specific strategies, metrics and standards; design principles; how each credit impacts the project; examining the synergistic logistics across projects and how these synergies influence the rating system. The second course LEED BD+C 301: Implementing the Building Design + Construction LEED Rating System centered on implementation of the LEED certification best practices. It seeks to streamline the process by examining the collaboration of the key stakeholders of the process; their individual roles and responsibilities; communication strategies for improved and maintained collaboration; aspects specific to the New Construction rating system; and making key green decisions during the process. During both workshops, participants engaged in deliberations about credit attainment across different project types using real-life examples.