USGBC announcements: January 11, 2006

USGBC is kicking off the New Year with new incentives for high-performance building.

FREE Platinum Certifications
Beginning January 1, 2007, USGBC is challenging the building industry to put us out of business: we will fully rebate the certification fees for any project that earns LEED Platinum certification. Platinum buildings are highly energy and resource efficient; provide superior indoor comfort for the building's occupants; and dramatically reduce CO2 emissions, a primary cause of global climate change. Help us build a healthy, sustainable, and prosperous future by raising your building's performance to Platinum, and we'll send you a check with your LEED plaque.
The rebate currently applies to projects that certify using LEED for New Construction, LEED for Existing Buildings, LEED for Commercial Interiors or LEED for Core and Shell. Projects that certify under future versions of the LEED rating system (excluding pilot projects) will also be eligible. Please note that the rebate applies only to certification fees paid to USGBC. Registration with USGBC and other fees that may be incurred over the course of the project are not included. Please email leedinfo@usgbc.org with any questions.

FREE LEED for Existing Buildings Registration
Making the jump from new building design to ongoing operations is easier than ever. Effective January 1, 2007, LEED for Existing Buildings registration is free for all certified LEED for New Construction and LEED for Core and Shell buildings. LEED for Existing Buildings addresses whole building operations and maintenance practices, and will maximize your building’s performance over time ensuring a high return on your investment. E-mail us at leed-eb@usgbc.org to take advantage of this offer. You'll get instant access to the LEED-Online letter templates to get started on the LEED for Existing Buildings certification process.
Free LEED for Existing Buildings registration is available both to projects certified before January 1, 2007 and to projects that certify after this date. Please note that projects that are currently registered with LEED for New Construction or LEED for Core and Shell will not be eligible for the free registration until after completing certification. Free LEED for Existing Buildings registration will also be available for future whole building LEED Rating Systems including LEED for Schools. Please email leed-eb@usgbc.org with any questions.

New LEED AP Exams Launch
Building industry professionals can now choose from three different tracks towards earning LEED Professional Accreditation: The LEED for Commercial Interiors exam, for professionals participating in the design and construction of high performance commercial spaces and tenant improvements; and the LEED for Existing Buildings exam, for professionals participating in the operation and maintenance of existing buildings; and the LEED for New Construction exam, which has now been updated to reflect LEED for New Construction Version 2.2. We expect a dramatic increase in the demand for education programs related to these exams; be sure to take advantage of it by hosting a LEED for Existing Buildings, LEED for Commercial Interiors, or LEED for New Construction Technical Review. Email workshop@usgbc.org to learn more about these and other educational offerings, or visit www.usgbc.org/leedap to learn more about the new exams.