Green Globes Personnel Certification Programs have been created to support the national adoption and growth of Green Globes by creating, maintaining, and growing the network of individuals already authorized to support the assessment and certification process.

GBI currently offers two designations based on level of expertise and desired role in the Green Globes assessment process, including Green Globes Professional (GGP), Green Globes Assessor (GGA) – Phase I. To download a summary of Green Globes Personnel Certifications, click here.

The Green Globes Professional™ program is a revolutionary green building training, testing and certification process administered by the Green Building Initiative (GBI).  The GGP credential has been established to support the growth and adoption of sustainable building practices in the United States, with a specific focus on the Green Globes environmental assessment and rating system for commercial buildings.

The program’s goal is to create and grow a network of industry professionals who are knowledgeable about:

1. Green building and management best practices;
2. The Green Globes assessment protocol;
3. Are expert users with Green Globes assessment tools; and
4. Are qualified to facilitate clients with getting Green Globes® building certifications on a nationwide basis.

A GGP designation distinguishes green building and management professionals from paperwork or process experts.  Certified GGP's are able to offer clients a demonstrated knowledge of accepted green building and management practices, an expertise with the Green Globes assessment protocol, familiarity with the online assessment software tools, and overall certification process.

While training, testing, and credentialing requirements vary for the Green Globes Professional and Green Globes Assessor certifications, all candidates for any Green Globes Personnel Certification program must complete rigorous training and pass a test regarding their knowledge of the following:

• Introduction to green history, building & management
• History of the Green Building Initiative and Green Globes rating system
• Green Globes Assessment Protocol
  New Construction
  Existing Buildings
• Role of the Assessor and Green Globes Professional
• Certification Process – from start to finish
  New Construction
  Existing Buildings
• Case Studies
  Home Savings Bank (New Building)
  Bristol-Meyers Squibb (Existing Building)

A Green Globes Professional or Green Globes Assessor designation demonstrates to customers, clients and employees a commitment to and knowledge of sustainable commercial design, construction and management throughout the entire building lifecycle

Green Globes Assessors (GGAs) are highly experienced industry professionals who complete extensive training and testing, and are authorized to perform third-party assessments on behalf of the Green Building Initiative. The Green Globes Assessor Certification program has been developed to protect the credibility of Green Globes building certifications and to ensure consistency in the ratings assigned through rigorous training, management, and oversight.  As such Applicants and/or Assessors:

1. Must meet minimum qualifications requirements for industry experience and educational achievement
2. Are screened,  reviewed by the GBI technical committee, and individually approved based on their qualifications and other criteria
3. Complete general training and pass a test common to all Green Globes personnel certification programs
4. Complete training specific to performing Green Globes third party assessments and pass a test
5. Execute a contract prohibiting them from accepting revenues directly from clients for buildings they assess
6. Agree to disclose and refuse third party assessment assignments in cases of a conflict of interest
7. Perform a probationary third party assessment under careful mentoring and oversight by an experienced assessor
8. Are subject to staff and peer reviews for building assessments reports

The Green Globes Professional™ program is a revolutionary green building training, testing and certification process administered by the Green Building Initiative (GBI). The GGP credential has been established to support the growth and adoption of sustainable building practices in the United States, with a specific focus on the Green Globes environmental assessment and rating system for commercial buildings.

1. Introduction to green history, building & management
2. History of the Green Building Initiative and Green Globes rating system
3. Green Globes Assessment Protocol
   1. New Construction
   2. Existing Buildings
4. Role of the Assessor and Green Globes Professional
5. Certification Process – from start to finish
   1. New Construction
   2. Existing Buildings
6. Case Studies
   1. Home Savings Bank (New Building)
   2. Bristol-Meyers Squibb (Existing Building)

A Green Globes Professional designation distinguishes green building and management professionals from paperwork or process experts.  Certified GGP's are able to offer clients a demonstrated knowledge of accepted green building and management practices, an expertise with the Green Globes assessment protocol, familiarity with the online assessment software tools, and overall certification process.

To qualify as a Green Globes Professional, candidates are trained and tested on their knowledge of the following:

• Green building and operations best practices;
• Green Globes assessment protocol for both new and existing buildings;
• Proficiency in using the Green Globes online assessment tools;
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA);
• Energy modeling, including use of the Energy Star; and
• Familiarity with the entire Green Globes Certification process from start to finish.

The Green Globes Professional designation demonstrates to customers, clients and employees a commitment to and knowledge of sustainable commercial design, construction and management throughout the entire building lifecycle.

Benefits to Becoming a Green Globes Professional

• Enhanced knowledge of commercial green building and management best practices;
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainable building and operations practices;
• Offer clients a wide range of building sustainability assessment, improvement, and/or certification-related professional services;
• Expand client services by offering a fast, well accepted and cost effective green building certification option;
• In-depth knowledge of the Green Globes protocol, one of the leading green building rating tools in the U.S.;
• Use of GGP designation and logo for marketing purposes;
• Competitive advantage and enhanced reputation as a trendsetter and leader in the green building marketplace;
• Recognition and listing in the online GGP Directory; and
• A onetime rebate on the purchase of a Green Globes subscription

Green Globes Professional Training and Testing

Similar to the Green Globes building rating and assessment, the entire Green Globes Professional credentialing process is web-based, cost-effective and user-friendly.  Registration, application, training sessions and tests are all administered online, eliminating the need to complete complex paperwork or travel to an off-site location.  This reduces the investment in time and effort required to complete the GGP program and minimizes any environmental impact.

Additional information on Green Globes Professional training and testing.

Do you qualify to become a Green Globes Professional?

A successful Green Globes Professional applicant will have at least five years experience in the building industry and will have some familiarity with current sustainability practices.  Most GGP applicants have a background as architects, engineers, builders, contractors or green building consultants as well as a keen interest in green building practices.  If you meet these basic qualifications, then you most likely qualify to begin the GGP training program. 

Detail information on Green Globes Professional qualifications and requirements.

Green Globes Professional Certification Process

Candidates wishing to become a Green Globes Assessor must follow the following process:

1. Candidates verify that they meet the minimum qualifications for each Assessor certification they wish to apply for: GGA-NC, GGA-CIEB, or both
2. Applicants complete an application form, register online, execute a certification agreement with GBI, upload their application and resume, and pay an application and/or package fee.
3. Applications are screened for minimum qualifications.
4. Candidates are evaluated and ranked based on overall qualifications, specific environmental, functional and building type expertise, geographical considerations, building demand, and other relevant objective factors (references, etc...).
5. Applications are approved, wait listed, or denied
6. Approved candidates purchase and complete the training requirements, study the supplied manual, take the test, and complete any assessor supplemental training, then are granted the Green Globes Assessor designation.
7. Wait listed candidates may choose to continue in the certification process and after completing the requirements receive the Green Globes Assessor; however are held in an inactive status until GBI’s demand or other factors would result in them being activated for service.
8. New Assessors approved in an active capacity sign a contract services agreement with GBI and are assigned their first building certification engagements and are mentored by experienced Assessors to ensure quality, consistency, and client satisfaction.
9. Candidates that are waitlisted may wait for their application to be approved in the future.  Both waitlisted or denied candidates may at any time withdraw their application and instead apply to become a Green Globes Professional without further application fees.
10. As building certification demand grows additional applications will be approved, and if demand warrants, in Phase II a larger number of assessor candidate applications will be approved, enabling them to complete the certification process.

I already have an accreditation from a green building organization – do I really need another one?

Green Globes Professional is more than just another professional certification; it is proof to your customers, clients, employees, community leaders and the general public that you are at the leading edge of emerging green building rating systems and technologies.

Designers, builders, owners, and property managers are seeking training to ensure their work addresses prevailing environmental concerns of customers, tenants, and shareholders.  Further they are seeking credible, fast, and cost effective alternatives for building sustainability assessments and green certification.  By obtaining the GGP designation you will be a proven expert user poised to participate in the next evolutionary step in building sustainability in the US.

Licensed Professional Architects and Engineers, or Professionally Certified through similar accreditation programs, such as LEED AP designation or ASHRAE certification, will receive a substantial, upfront program discount.

Download an Application form for the Green Globes Professional Program

Apply to become a Green Globes Professional

Since its arrival in the U.S. in 2005, the Green Globes® tool has seen a dramatic rise in use. With over 1,000 projects currently registered, it is now one of the leading green building rating systems in the country—which has put GBI in the position of needing to contract additional assessors to meet increasing building certification demand. 

Third-party assessment, which includes an extensive review of submitted documentation as well as an on-site visit to the building, is an integral part of the Green Globes certification process and is required before a building can be promoted as having received a rating of one, two, three or four Green Globes.  Beginning immediately, GBI is seeking to expand its current pool of assessors by launching the first and only formal training program for qualified candidates that is also open to the public. 

The Green Globes Assessor™ program is designed for proven experts in the areas of sustainable design, construction and management.  The GGA credential designates individuals who are formally trained, have passed a test to demonstrate their knowledge regarding Green building and/or management best practices, and are authorized to perform third-party assessments on buildings that are undergoing the process to obtain official Green Globes certification.   Green Globes Assessor apply, train, and are tested individually to become qualified to assess New Construction (GGA-NC), Existing Buildings (GGA-CIEB), or both New and Existing Buildings (GGA –NC, CIEB).  Upon completion of the certification requirements, Green Globes Assessors will become GBI contractors and perform building certifications upon order by customers as assigned by the GBI.

 

Green Globes Assessor Qualifications

Candidates wishing to apply to the GBI to become a Green Globes Assessor must first meet the following minimum requirements:

• At least 10 years of total industry experience as an architect, engineer, facilities manager, or a closely related field.
• At least 5 years of specific functional experience that relates directly to design, engineering, construction and/or facilities management of commercial buildings.
• Formal education and a degree in Architecture, Engineering, or other relevant technical and/or environmental educational program is required
• Prior knowledge of green building and/or management practices, environmental issues, and sustainability as evidenced by formal training, CE credits, or professional accreditations
• Demonstrated experience with building sustainability in practice – documented involvement in three or more building projects where sustainable improvements were applied

 

Green Globes Assessor Certification Process

Candidates wishing to become a Green Globes Assessor must follow the following process:

1. Candidates verify that they meet the minimum qualifications for each Assessor certification they wish to apply for: GGA-NC, GGA-CIEB, or both
2. Applicants complete an application form, register online, execute a certification agreement with GBI, upload their application and resume, and pay an application and/or package fee.
3. Applications are screened for minimum qualifications.
4. Candidates are evaluated and ranked based on overall qualifications, specific environmental, functional and building type expertise, geographical considerations, building demand, and other relevant objective factors (references, etc...).
5. Applications are approved, wait listed, or denied 
6. Approved candidates purchase and complete the training requirements, study the supplied manual, and take the test.  Those passing the test sign a contract services agreement with the GBI and then receive the Green Globes Assessor Certification(s)
7. New Assessors are assigned their first building certification engagements and are mentored by experienced Assessors to ensure quality, consistency, and client satisfaction.
8. Candidates that are waitlisted may wait for their application to be approved in the future.  Both waitlisted or denied candidates may at any time withdraw their application and instead apply to become a Green Globes Professional without further application fees.
9. As building certification demand grows additional applications will be approved, and if demand warrants, in Phase II a larger number of assessor candidate applications will be approved, enabling them to complete the certification process.

Benefits to Becoming a Green Globes Assessor

• Inclusion in a select network of professionals licensed to assess and certify buildings prior to achieving their Green Globes rating
• Obtain additional income as a contractor to the GBI*(not guaranteed)
• Participate in a new area of commercial building design, construction, and management services – environmental assessment and certification utilizing one the premier rating systems and tools.
• Obtain expert-level training on the Green Globes protocol, online tools, and third party assessment process.
• Obtain expert level knowledge in best practices for green building and management, the Life Cycle Analysis tools, and energy modeling.
• Utilize your training and personnel certification in order to better incorporate sustainability considerations into your job or consulting projects within commercial architecture, construction or facilities/operations management areas.
• Improve the environment as part of your role as a Green Globes Assessor - You will be part of a process to develop and deliver improvement suggestions to sustainability-minded clients that help them to minimize the environmental footprint of new and/or existing buildings.
• Use of GGA designation and logo for marketing purposes

 

Green Globes Assessor – Application Process Details

• All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications are invited to apply to the program
• Candidates will be selected based on:
  • Qualifications
  • Location
  • Regional demand
  • Specific building type, environmental, or functional expertise
  • Hourly Rate
  • Ability and desire to assess both new and existing buildings
• A select number of applications will be approved and those candidates can proceed on with training, testing and other credentialing requirements
• Candidates that are waitlisted may elect to remain in queue for additional openings, continue and obtain the certification which will be granted with an Inactive status, or to withdraw their application and apply to become a Green Globes Professional instead.

Download an Application for the Green Globes Assessor Program

Apply Online to become a Green Globes Assessor

The Green Globes Personnel Certifications Program has been created to support the national adoption and growth of Green Globes by increasing and maintaining the network of individuals already authorized to support the assessment and certification process.  GBI currently offers two designations based on level of expertise and desired role in the Green Globes assessment process, including Green Globes Professional (GGP), Green Globes Assessor (GGA) – Phase I.