Green Roofs 101
Part 1: Green Roofs LEED to Multiple Benefits
Part 2: Financial Benefits Of Green Roofs
Part 3: Extensive or Intensive? Green Roofs Explained
Part 4: Green Roof Tips: Roof Structure and Maintenance
Part 5: Green Roof Professional Certification Program Announced
Green Roof Professional Certification Program Announced
By Greg Zimmerman, Executive Editor - November 2008
It’s been nearly six years in the making, but next June, at its annual conference in Atlanta, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) plans to offer an exam that tests the specific skills and knowledge required for green roof design, project management, installation and maintenance. Industry professionals who pass the test will earn a new accreditation: Green Roof Professional (GRP).
GRHC hopes that the new accreditation will help facility executives easily identify designers and contractors with a demonstrated knowledge of green roofs. GRP is not a form of licensure; however, GRPs will be required to complete 16 continuing education credits. Guidelines for how to achieve the credits are still being developed, but eight of the credits will need to be GRHC-related activities, like attending GRHC’s conference and courses.
The organization currently offers four courses on green roof design, construction and maintenance:
- Green Roof Design 101
- Green Roof Design and Implementation 201
- Green Roof Waterproofing and Drainage 301
- Growing Media 401
The courses are not required to earn the GRP accreditation. The cost of the first exam is $395, which includes registration for the June conference. Registration is available now at GRHC’s Web site.
