What Does LEED AP Mean?

I often get asked what the meaning is of all the letters I have after my name:  Teri Cavanaugh, LEED AP.   The LEED Professional Credentials (LEED AP and Green Associate) are professional designations for those who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building techniques, environmental issues, the LEED program, and the certification process. The LEED credentials show differentiation in a growing and competitive industry and allow for varied levels of specialization.  LEED is the acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and the AP stands for Accredited Professional.  My special designation is B D + C, which stands for Building Design and Construction.

I got interested in Green Building in my hometown, Portland, Oregon.  I got so excited when I saw the things that people were doing with buildings - rain water catchment systems, incorporating bioswales into the landscape to filter storm water, using renewable energy to power buildings, just to name a few.  It really  lit me up , so I studied to take the rigorous exam that would make me an Accredited Professional.  I am a member of the US Green Building Council, Northern California Chapter.  As with so many things that deal with human and change, there is controversy -  some think that LEED doesn't do enough.  I think it's a good start though, and with 14,000 buildings in the US either LEED certified or seeking certification, it's a good start to tackling the problems we face.  I know some of this is quite vague, and while I'm sitting here typing, I'm thinking I'll start a special "green" section on my website - so stay tuned!

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