Sustainable Building Coordinators Design a Green Future
Sustainable building and architecture coordinators help builders go
green from start to finish. It is their job to make sure construction doesn't
impact our environment more than it should. They work with others to make
sure a building meets "green" standards.
More and more people are concerned about living and working in healthy
buildings that are good for the environment. For example, today's buildings
need to use energy and water efficiently. They also must contain products
that have no negative health effects for the people who use them.
Joel McKellar says environmental design really gained steam after Al Gore's
film An Inconvenient Truth came out. McKellar is a researcher at an architecture
firm in Charleston, South Carolina. He says before the film, he had to try
to convince clients that they should choose sustainable building and design.
Now clients come to him asking for it.
This is a relatively new trend for builders. They need some help to keep
track of all the many factors involved in building green. Coordinators make
sure projects meet all the requirements to be considered a sustainable building.
Setting Standards
The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design) Rating System sets the industry standard for environmentally friendly
buildings. It has set requirements for many categories of building. These
include the site, energy, water, materials, indoor environmental quality and
design innovation.
Green Globes is another environmental assessment rating system for buildings.
When a building is approved by LEED or Green Globes, people know it meets
high standards.
Where Job Opportunities Are Building
Green building coordinators work for sustainable consulting, commissioning,
energy engineering and facility management firms. Many coordinators find jobs
with different levels of government or with universities.
"A career path in institutions of higher learning is the most visible at
this point. Engineering consulting firms and architect offices are easy to
identify, as well as administrative positions in any institution or agency
that owns an inventory of buildings," says Robert B. Vaughan. He's the director
of capital planning and management at the University of Vermont in Burlington.
Ten to 15 years ago, sustainable architecture firms didn't exist. But that's
all changed, says McKellar. He is a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP).
"Now it's hard to find a firm who doesn't do green design. Many do only
sustainable projects," he says. "If you can build it, it's probably going
to go LEED at sometime."
What Sustainable Building Coordinators Do
Coordinators help to track building projects and manage the LEED or Green
Globe certification process. The coordinator might also write grant proposals.
They may need to research sustainability issues.
They could make presentations, and prepare reports, assessments and documentation.
They must be in touch with all the different players involved in the building
project. Everyone needs to be kept informed.
They also must administer the building project. Schedules, budgets, deadlines
and any problems that arise along the way could be the responsibility of the
coordinator.
"The Green Building Coordinator has become the 'champion' of making sure
everything stays on course," says Vaughan.
What Employers Want
Experience in architecture, engineering, urban planning, construction management
or another related field is a benefit. Candidates with education in these
fields are also sought after. Having the LEED AP credential will make a candidate
stand out.
Employers want people with knowledge and experience in green building strategies.
Green building focuses on holistic strategies -- so the more areas they are
familiar with, the better.
They need to be able to advise construction teams about how to incorporate
green building in their projects. Building owners may also need guidance for
developing programs for sustainable operations once the building is built.
"It is a great chance to learn a lot about the industry and to learn how
to manage projects as well clients and client expectations. The learning
curve can be steep at times, which can sometimes be frustrating. So it is
important to be patient, and at the same time take advantage of opportunities,"
says Amanda Pursell-Genck. She is the human resources manager of Green Building
Services in Portland, Oregon.
Learning to Go Green
To become a LEED AP, you must take an exam from the Green Building Certification
Institute.
McKellar says the LEED AP credential is marketable. But there are still
many jobs you can get without it. And if you find a good firm, they might
pay for your LEED training and the LEED AP exam. Also, you should have building
knowledge and experience before you attempt the exam.
You can gain knowledge through design, environmental studies, architecture,
architectural technology, engineering, interior design or construction management
programs.
"Many universities are beginning to create new degrees in sustainability.
It is important that the applicant has a proven interest in sustainable building
and that this is evident in their resume," says Pursell-Genck.
Sue Clark is a LEED AP who works for a consulting firm as a sustainability
analyst and designer. She earned her undergraduate degree in pre-professional
architecture. She's now finishing a master of architecture degree.
Clark suggests considering your interests when deciding where to get your
training. A good way to find out is to talk to people involved in the industry.
She highly recommends choosing cooperative education. She says it will
help you gain an edge when competing for jobs. It will also introduce you
to the wide world of work that's out there.
McKellar says if you're more a hands-on type, you should look into contracting
work. If you like design, think about architecture. And if math and science
are your best subjects, consider engineering.
The Future for Building Coordinators
From a coordinator position, you can continue consulting and take on more
direct interactions with clients. Pursell-Genck explains that you can choose
to move into project management.
"The project manager is also a key position in our organization," she says.
McKellar says there are many independent LEED consultants now. But he warns
that most firms are learning how to do this function in-house. He suggests
developing knowledge in green design through a specialty in architecture,
engineering or contracting.
"The need for a separate LEED AP will diminish over time," says McKellar.
"My advice is that we have just scratched the surface for sustainable design,"
says Vaughan. He adds that being an agent of change will give you great career
satisfaction.
Links
Green Building Certification Institute
Information on becoming a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED
APs)
U.S. Green Building Council
This nonprofit organization certifies green buildings and LEED
APs
Green Globes
Delivers a rating system for green building design
Green Building Encyclopedia
Learn more about environmental design
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