Business View Magazine - October 2018

146 147 U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL - MARYLAND CHAPTER “We also recently certified the first LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) project under our v4 rating system in Maryland at the Merriweather Development, also in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. LEED ND projects are residen- tial and non-residential buildings that can earn LEED certification as one large project. LEED ND projects enhance the connectability and sustain- ability of entire communities.” BVM: How does the Council coordinate con- tinuing education (events, podcasts, partnerships, etc.)? Jacobsen: “We believe that knowledge and opportunities for action are the tools to drive true transformation. USGBC supports continued learn- ing through a variety of education opportunities and resources. Our Education@USGBC offers a wide range of continuing education for sustain- ability professionals, teachers, and USGBC mem- bers. All of these resources are available online, so anyone who signs up for Education@USGBC can learn on their own time and at their own convenience.We also develop periodic podcasts and videos highlighting the work of our partners and members. “One of the most popular offerings we have at USGBC is professional accreditation for green building and sustainability professionals. A LEED credential denotes proficiency in today’s sus- tainable design, construction and operations standards. More than 202,000 professionals have earned a LEED credential to help advance their careers. “USGBC also holds a variety of in-person net- working, awards and educational events all across the country. From green building tours to LEED Discussion Forums to substantive panels and presentations to awards celebrations, these events provide an opportunity for our partners in sustainability to meet face-to-face, to learn about the latest innovations in green building.” BVM: What does the landscape look like for the industry over the coming decade in Maryland? How will the Council continue to be a viable voice for the industry? Jacobsen: “We certify thousands of square feet of space in Maryland every week, and we antici- pate that number will continue to grow.We have introduced new rating systems that are meant to break the barriers to entry, and make it more streamlined for new buildings to pursue LEED certification. Our most recent version of LEED, LEED v4.1, is the most inclusive and accessible version of LEED to date, making it easier to track performance and continually improve building performance.We also have developed a new technology called Arc that helps building oper- ators and facility managers to track and bench- mark building performance based on five metrics: energy, water, waste, transportation and human experience.While currently only available for use in existing building, LEED v4.1 uses Arc, making AT A GLANCE US GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL – MARYLAND CHAPTER WHAT: An organization promoting sustainable buildings and commu- nities WHERE: Washington, DC WEBSITE: www.usgbc.org/ usgbc-maryland