Diane Behling, educational facilities planner with Capital Planning and Space Management, and Linda Flaherty, assistant director of Capital Planning and Space Management, have both passed the LEED AP exam.
LEED, a worldwide green building rating system that was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Buildings are certified according to various rating systems if they meet stringent requirements and guidelines in several categories, including water and energy efficiency, types of materials used, minimization of development impact, and alternative parking.
After studying and being tested on the LEED system categories, credits, and points, an individual can be accredited as having some expertise with the process and requirements.
LEED Professional Accreditation distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the LEED certification process. LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED Rating System.
Behling and Flaherty are among the first capital planners in the UC system to become accredited.
"Given the UC Policy on Sustainable Practices, which includes green building requirements, we feel the accreditation will allow us to more effectively guide campus capital programs to greater efficiency performance -- which also translates into cost savings," said Behling.
