Tag Archives: certification

CAN YOU PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION ON THE BENEFITS OF GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION

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Green building certification programs like LEED, BREEAM, Green Globes and other sustainable building rating systems provide a framework to help optimize the environmental and human health impacts of buildings. Receiving certification demonstrates that a building was designed and built using strategies that improve performance in key areas like energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor air quality, stewardship of resources and more. Some of the top benefits of green building certification include:

Improved Energy Efficiency – Certified green buildings are designed, constructed and operated with energy efficiency top of mind. This includes utilizing more efficient HVAC, lighting and appliances. Studies have found LEED certified buildings use 25-30% less energy compared to conventional buildings. Reducing energy consumption lowers ongoing utility costs for owners and is better for the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel power plants.

Water Savings – Sustainable design prioritizes using water more efficiently both indoors and outdoors. This incorporates high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, drought-resistant landscaping, capturing rainwater, and reuse of greywater. On average, green buildings save 20-30% on water use compared to non-green buildings. With water becoming scarcer in many areas, certification helps future-proof buildings for a more water-constrained world.

Enhanced Indoor Air Quality – Improving indoor environmental quality is a core tenet of green building. This is done through measures like low-emitting materials, enhanced ventilation, monitoring systems, green cleaning policies and bringing more access to outdoor views and natural daylight. Occupants benefit from better indoor air quality which can improve health, wellness and productivity. Various studies have linked improved air quality to reduced absenteeism and healthcare costs.

Reduced Carbon Emissions – As green buildings require less energy to operate, this leads to lower carbon emissions from that reduced energy consumption. Life cycle assessments also account for embodied carbon in building materials and construction processes. On average, LEED certified buildings generate 35% less carbon emissions over a 60 year lifespan versus regular buildings. As the effects of climate change intensify, lower-carbon buildings play an important role in mitigating future impacts.

Resource Efficiency – Sustainability also means using resources more efficiently and conserving raw materials. This can include utilizing construction waste management plans, recycling demolition debris, minimizing the footprint of the building, specifying recycled content and regional materials, and adopting lifecycle approaches to products and materials. Cumulatively this lightens the environmental footprint and steward’s natural resources for future generations.

Enhanced Durability & Resilience – Designing for sustainability means optimizing long-term performance. Green buildings are constructed with durable, high quality products and systems well-suited to withstand local weather events and endure for decades into the future. This longevity also aids disaster resilience against hazards like hurricanes, flooding, wildfires which climate change is exacerbating. Adaptability features can help buildings respond to changing needs over their lifespan too.

Improved Occupant Health & Well-Being – The indoor environments of green buildings foster better physical and mental health. Natural daylight, outdoor views and high air quality boost health, mood and cognition. Biophilic design connects people with nature. Low toxicity materials avoid harmful off-gassing. Acoustic performance supports focus and collaboration. All together these attributes can increase comfort, wellness and job satisfaction among occupants.

Financial & Economic Benefits – While green building may cost marginally more up front, certification delivers notable long-term financial returns. Numerous case studies and analysis have found the economic value of reduced utility and maintenance costs over a building’s lifetime often exceed its higher initial investments within 5-10 years. Green buildings also command rental premiums and increased asset values. At a macro level, green building has been found to provide jobs and stimulate local green economies.

Tenant Demand & Marketing Edge – As the population gains more awareness of sustainability issues and their health impacts, there is rising tenant demand for green indoor environments and office policies. Green certified spaces can command competitive advantages in tenant/user retention and attraction amid growing corporate commitments to sustainability goals. Marketing the certification helps owners appeal to climate-conscious clients and tech-savvy Millennial talent.

In summary – green building certification has evolved into a mainstream and impactful way to enhance sustainability performance across new construction as well as existing building renovations. The holistic benefits outlined here help optimize life cycle costs, operations, demand and value for investors and owners, along with delivering public interest co-benefits like reduced environmental impacts and improved community wellness. As we transition to a low-carbon future, the standard set by third-party rated certifications has never been more important in future-proofing the built environment.

WHAT ARE SOME STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE BUILDING CODES AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

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Implementing increasingly stringent minimum energy efficiency standards over time is an effective way to transition the built environment towards sustainability. Setting a baseline for building envelope insulation, HVAC system performance, lighting efficiency, and other factors helps reduce overall energy usage. Standards should be reviewed and updated periodically, such as every 3-5 years, to continually raise the bar for new and retrofit construction. This allows builders to plan accordingly while increasing savings. Education and training programs that teach builders and designers how to easily exceed base codes can also encourage continuous improvement.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification has been influential in driving green building practices globally. Some view LEED certification as more symbolic than substantive in terms of energy savings. Developing new rating systems specifically aimed at measuring operational energy use and emissions is important, such as the International Living Future Institute’s Net Zero certification. Using life cycle assessment to account for embodied carbon in materials selection is also relevant for rating true sustainability performance. Providing incentives like tax credits for achieving advanced certifications can motivate higher standards.

Bulk adoption of clean energy technologies like electric heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicles (EVs) is needed to decarbonize buildings. Strategies like mandating EV charging infrastructure in new construction alongside renewable energy generation requirements help future-proof buildings. Requiring solar-ready roofs and electric panel upgrades that can support integrated systems reduces soft costs over time. Limited time incentives targeting bulk adoption of specific technologies can jumpstart market growth.

Retrofitting existing building stock is crucial given most buildings standing in 2050 exist today. Audits identifying efficiency and electrification opportunities should be required at time of major renovations and sales. On-bill financing programs allowing repayment via utility bills make efficiency investments much more viable for owners. Pairing audits with accessible incentives and standardized retrofit plans eases action. Strategies like Bulk Community Retrofit programs can aggregate projects to reduce costs.

Urban planning policies promoting density and mixed-use development with robust public transit enable more efficient infrastructure and encourage walking/cycling over cars for many trips. Locating jobs, housing, and services in close proximity via smart growth principles reduces sprawl which supports sustainability goals. Incorporating green spaces and trees in site planning also helps address the urban heat island effect and improves quality of life.

Capacity building through education and training increases market readiness for sustainable solutions. Developing accreditation programs for green building professionals and offering training/certification courses via vocational schools and community colleges prepares a workforce ready to implement advanced building practices. Engaging diverse stakeholders in code and program development fosters buy-in and shared ownership of solutions.

Tracking key metrics like energy/water use over building lifecycles helps assess policy effectiveness. Studying case studies of successful local and international policies provides lessons learned for continual improvement. Leading by example through retrofitting public buildings to high performance standards demonstrates feasibility and spurs private sector replication. Coordinated efforts across jurisdictions and sectors through green building councils or similar collaborative groups allows for coordinated progress evaluation and knowledge sharing.

Taking a comprehensive, integrated approach informed by data, stakeholder input, and international best practices would enable jurisdictions to successfully transition building stocks towards climate-resilient, net-zero energy and emissions standards through strategic code reform and certification programs. Prioritizing both new and existing building stock upgrades and pairing policies with accessible financing and workforce training increases likelihood of realizing long-term sustainability and climate goals through the built environment. Continual improvement cycles and performance tracking ensures ongoing progress.

HOW LONG DOES IT TYPICALLY TAKE TO COMPLETE MODULES 1 4 OF THE EXCEL CERTIFICATION COURSE

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The typical time it takes to complete modules 1 through 4 of the Microsoft Excel certification course can vary considerably depending on several key factors related to the individual learner and their background and experience with Excel. On average most learners can expect it to take between 30-50 hours total to work through the content and assessments for these first 4 modules.

The Microsoft Excel certification is broken down into 7 modules that progressively build on the learners skills and knowledge. Modules 1-4 cover the foundational concepts and tasks in Excel including things like navigating the Excel environment, entering and editing data, formatting cells and sheets, adding basic formulas and functions. Since these introductory modules are laying the groundwork for more advanced topics, they require taking time to understand concepts thoroughly before moving on.

For a learner who has little to no prior experience using Excel, the estimated time for each module would be:

Module 1: Fundamentals – 6-10 hours
This introductory module provides an overview of the Excel workspace and interface. It takes extra time for new users to familiarize themselves with where everything is located and get comfortable navigating between different areas in the program. Formatting basic worksheets and entering text, number, and formula data requires learning new skills.

Module 2: Formatting – 5-8 hours
Adding cell formats, styles, themes, and other formatting options takes time to understand how each tool works and when to apply them properly. Finding and applying the right formatting to organize and visualize data efficiently requires experimentation. Learning formatting fundamentals like colors, fonts, alignment is crucial.

Module 3: Formulas & Functions – 10-15 hours
This is often the most challenging module for beginners as it introduces core spreadsheet calculation concepts. Figuring out formula syntax, relative vs absolute references, and utilizing basic functions involves a lot of hands-on practice building and troubleshooting formulas. Multiple practice exercises are needed to gain proficiency.

Module 4: Data Management – 8-12 hours
Manipulating data in Excel is an important skill and this module covers essential techniques like filtering, sorting, find/replace. It also introduces more advanced topics such as outlining, subtotals, and pivot tables which requires dedicated study time to understand how each tool works and its business uses. Multiple trial-and-error sessions are typical.

For an experienced Excel user with some prior knowledge but not formal certification, the estimated time needed per module would likely be a bit shorter:

Module 1: Fundamentals – 4-6 hours
Familiarity with the interface can shorten learning curve, but review of all areas is still recommended.

Module 2: Formatting – 3-5 hours
Knowing core formatting reduces time vs a complete novice, but best practices always benefit from review.

Module 3: Formulas & Functions – 8-10 hours
Strengths and weaknesses need assessment. Focus on troubleshooting skills and lesser known functions.

Module 4: Data Management – 6-8 hours
Leverage existing skills while ensuring competency on all tools introduced like pivot tables through extended hands-on practice.

For both novice and experienced learners, the assessments embedded within each online module and the practice exercises provided are crucial components that expand the estimated completion times. Multiple attempts may be needed to pass some of the quizzes and scenario-based assignments. Taking adequate breaks and review sessions also enhances retention of the material for the long-term.

To thoroughly learn the foundational concepts in Excel required to pass the certification exams, most learners can expect it to realistically require 30-50 cumulative hours of focused study time to work through modules 1-4 of the Microsoft Excel certification course depending on their starting experience level and ability to apply the skills hands-on. With diligent practice and self-evaluation along the way, both novice and experienced users alike can establish a solid baseline Excel proficiency from which to build on in later certification modules.