Steps to Take to Achieve This Career
With concern regarding our environment increasing daily, there is a push to create more environmentally sustainable products to slow or even help reverse some of the damage already done and reduce the possibility of future damage. We’ve all heard about the benefits of recycling, repurposing, and other means to be more environmentally friendly, but this also extends to the more “permanent” seeming products we use, including our buildings and homes. The industry of producing more environmentally buildings is called green construction and those in the industry are specially trained in techniques and methods of designing and building structures with environmental concerns in mind. There are many careers in the green construction industry, most of which are normal construction jobs which may only require additional training, but some have been born directly as a result of new industries created to offer other ways of doing things, especially generating energy.
Becoming a green builder might sound like a challenge, and for some it might be. For those just entering the construction and green building trade, learning about green initiatives as a part of the construction process might be easier than a seasoned construction professional having to relearn old methods. But if a person is serious about becoming a green builder or contractor, learning the skills should not be an issue. It does require taking classes and gaining specialized training, but fortunately, finding schools that offer the required courses for a builder to become green builder certified is easier than ever before.
These are the most common steps those who want to work in green construction can take to be educated and prepared to work in the green construction industry:
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Step 1: Getting an Undergraduate Degree
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Step 2: Internships/Entry-level Job
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Step 3: Higher Level Degree or Certificate
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Step 4: Certification in Green Building
Step 1: Getting an Undergraduate Degree
The ultimate goal of green education is to achieve some sort of certification in green building initiatives from one of the approved green construction agencies. The first step to doing this is to get an undergraduate degree in building and construction that either focuses or specializes in green building. However, if you already have a degree and you’re just looking to move into providing green initiative work from within your existing expertise, take a look at step 3-4.
A degree program, which could be an associates or bachelor’s degree, should including the following courses or focus:
- should include courses in sustainable building methods and techniques
- pay particular attention on how to reduce a building’s environmental footprint and improve an existing building’s environmental efficiency
- should provide an understanding of energy-efficient materials and technology Possible majors include construction engineering, construction management, building science and sustainable design
Step 2: Internships/Entry-level Job
An internship while working toward a degree is a good idea because hands-on training is an important part of learning about designing and building green buildings and structures. As a green building intern for a construction company, you’ll learn about the different structures that can be designed with environmental ideals in mind including commercial, residential, and industrial structures. It is worth noting that the most common structures that utilize green initiatives are commercial buildings such as office buildings, hospitals, and other retail or business structures. An internship is also one of the best ways to land an entry-level job upon graduation since the business has an idea of the graduate’s abilities and work style and they will have already put time and effort into training you to their standards.
Step 3: Higher Level Degree or Certificate
If you only completed an associate degree in the last step, then this would be a good time to pursue a bachelor’s degree (or even a graduate degree if you are looking to run your own business or move into management). Although you can enter the field with a two-year degree, to advance into other areas including management or owning your own business is going to require at least a bachelor’s degree, a graduate degree or certificate might also be required depending on the area of expertise or what a business desires of its employees.
A graduate degree takes one to three years to complete and focuses on areas including:
- Architecture, construction, and planning
- Sustainable principles and technology system designs
- Building performance
- A research-based project may be required for graduation
If you would prefer to forego the graduate degree and focus on one specific area instead, a certificate is also an option. Most certificates take one to two years to complete and the hours accumulated to get the certificate can sometimes be applied toward a graduate degree later. One of the most popular certifications for those working in the green construction trade is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. This is the system that is frequently used to determine how green a structure actually is.
Step 4: Certification in Green Building
One of the most popular agencies for certification in Green Building is the Sierra Green Building Association. They offer a variety of certification for those working in the construction trades.
They offer the Certified Practitioners Exam which certifies workers in the following areas:
- Green building and sustainability
- Land and site use
- Energy
- Indoor environmental quality
- Proper environmental treatment of material, waste, and water
Green Construction Career Options and Earning Potential
Where Might You Work?
Green construction jobs can be found in practically every industry imaginable. From government buildings that are being retrofitted to be eco-friendly, to the design and construction of new structures that are green from the start. Even hospitals, schools, and office buildings are using more environmentally friendly techniques, methods, and materials and many construction companies are changing in order to take on these projects. To do this, they need employees who are trained in green initiatives and practices. So, the question isn’t so much where you might work, but where you want to work. Because, in all likelihood, there will be positions in the industry needing workers in whatever specialization you choose.