Code Council Developing Green Building Professional Certification

The International Code Council announced that it is developing a green building professional certification exam to demonstrate code officials' ability to understand the application of green building technology and assess adherence with green building programs.

By Consulting-Specifying Engineer staff March 14, 2008

The International Code Council (ICC), Washington, D.C., announced that it is developing a green building professional certification exam to demonstrate a code official’s ability to understand the application of green building technology and assess adherence with green building programs. The new certification will help provide assurances that green and sustainable buildings are also safe.

“The International Code Council and its members are proud of their support to protect the public through responsible and innovative green building technology that is safe, sustainable and affordable,” said

The Green Building Professional Certification will assess the ability to understand the green aspects of the International Codes including the International Energy Conservation Code and the International Plumbing Code. It also will measure the level of knowledge about the leading green building rating systems such as the National Green Building Standard under development by the Code Council and the National Assn. of Home Builders, the USGBC LEED rating system, and the Green Building Initiative’s Green Globes program and associated standard. These programs generally include components that address sustainable sites, efficiencies of water, energy and other resources, indoor environmental quality and maintenance.

“This new certification will test building safety professionals’ knowledge of green building to ensure the structure or system is safe and sustainable as provided by the various green building rating systems,” said Code Council Board President Steve Shapiro, Director of Codes Compliance for Hampton, Va. “As code officials, we can have a positive impact on our communities by facilitating safe and sustainable construction while promoting the environmentally-focused features of the I-Codes.”

To develop the certification, the Code Council is creating an Exam Development Committee of recognized experts. Committee members must be proficient with green building practices. Individuals interested in serving can apply online or call 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 5287. For more information about the International Code Council’s Certification program click here .