Grad student preps students, faculty for LEED-GA exam

The approximately 40 students and faculty at Texas A&M’s College of Architecture who earned introductory accreditation in an internationally recognized “green” certification system earlier this year can credit part of their success to classes led by [Patrick Daniels] (http://www.patrickdaniels.com/a&m.htm) , a graduate student pursuing three masters’ degrees at Texas A&M.

Daniels prepared students and faculty in a summer 2011 session for the [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] (http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19) -Green Associate exam, a level of accreditation that’s a prerequisite for other LEED certifications.

Daniels is an accredited professional in the LEED system, developed by the [U.S. Green Building Council] (http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=124) to provide building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.

Daniels, pursuing masters’ degrees in land development, construction management and business administration, said he taught the class because students kept asking him about the process of LEED certification.

Since many employers find LEED training an impressive resume credential, states a post on Property Promotion, a real estate resource website, an investment in LEED training can better position job seekers to compete within the ever-expanding green job market.

"The LEED-GA class provided everything needed about passing the exam -- how LEED works, how much it costs, how to sign up, where to take the exam and exactly what to study," said Daniels, who is also the Construction Management Association of America Texas A&M chapter president.

Daniels, continuing his education at Texas A&M after 15 years of construction and design experience, said he’ll determine whether to hold another LEED-GA preparatory class in the fall 2011 semester based on demand.