Green Certification

What kind of certification would be considered an asset for an onsite property manager? How would I go about getting that type of credential to add to my toolbox?

I already have:

From Housing credit college (provided by prior employer)
Tax Credit
Fair Housing

From Allied Business Schools:
Professional Property management

From Internationan Real Estate Institute:
Registered Property Manager

If you are interested I would look into getting LEED certified. It's usually a designation for Architects in designing buildings. I had the same feeling when I was on-site as a manager that I wanted to get into it deeper.

I would suggest looking up some local government chapters if you live in an urban area that support green initatives.

Look at: www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19

US Green Building Council so you can see what is active in your area.

Good Luck! I know the LEED test is daunting and may be well worth your trouble! I also don't know if Universities or other schooling is catching on to this but hope it is.

Unfortunately, becoming a LEED certified AP or Accredited Professional, is not as easy as just taking a test anymore. The administration of the Professional Accreditation program transitioned to the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) in 2008. When that happened they made it more difficult to get a LEEP AP.

The original requirements to become certified were good anytime before March, 2009, as long as you were registered for the test. Anyone registering for the test after that date, has to have worked on a LEED certified project, and prove it with a letter from a boss, in order to take the test.

I am really sad to hear this because although my company makes strides to become more sustainable during development, the projects I have worked on are not certified, so I am not eligable to become certified.

:S

How does the LEED certification represent an advantage for an onsite manager for an existing building?

Looking at the LEED credential program, it looks like it leans toward the design and development for NEW properties....

It doesn't seem to be a significant edge to someone who is looking to manage an existing property.

I would think the only way it could really help an onsite manager would be in the sales pitch. They might be more educated on certain terminolgy, but you are right, it is not a perfect fit for a property manager necessarily!

Maybe that is why they are making it more geared toward the professional that is going to be directly working on a LEED project, as opposed to indirectly. Just a thought.

Good Point!

Julie, you are absolutely right that the LEED AP (Associated Professional) designation is no longer available without relevant experience as a prerequisite. And, when you think about it, doesn't that seem logical?

Fortunately, all is not completely lost. The USGBC through the GBCI created a new professional certification called a LEED GA (Green Associate). This is a much easier certification to attain and is now the first step to becoming a LEED AP. As with LEED AP certification, being a LEED GA requires continuing education to maintain certification.

I hate to make this sound like an advertisement for the USGBC or any other particular certification, but learning about sustainable building, operations and maintenance from whatever organization can only help your career as a property management professional -- not to mention helping the planet.

If you're really serious about becoming a LEED AP, start with the LEED GA exam, pass it, then canvas friends, LinkedIn, MFI, etc. for contacts to architects, developers and builders who are working on LEED projects and volunteer your time. You will need to document your work on two projects before applying for the LEED AP exam.

There are also many new AP designations now, but you won't need to concern yourself with that for awhile. . .

You may wish to consider BOMA or IREM certifications and classes. Also your local community college may offer classes on energy auditing and the like.

www.boma.org/Pages/default.aspx
www.irem.org/