Dear Louisiana Chapter Member & Interested Parties,

LEED APs credentialed prior to June 30th have three options regarding the introduction of the new tiered credentialing system, as described below:

1. Become a LEED AP+ by enrolling in the new tiered system-i.e. agreeing to the Credentialing Maintenance Program (CMP) and signing the Disciplinary Policy - and completing the prescriptive CMP requirements for the initial 2-year reporting period. Once you have enrolled, you will use one of the new specialty designations (O&M, BD&C, ID&C) after your name. Enrollment must occur before June 2011.
2. Become a LEED AP+ by passing one of the new specialty examinations; only part 2 of a LEED AP+ exam will be required if testing by June 2011. When applying for the exam you will need to sign the Disciplinary Policy and agree to CMP. You will need to complete the ongoing CMP for your designation and will use one of the new specialty designations (O&M, BD&C, ID&C) after your name.
3. Do nothing; you will be designated a LEED AP without a specialty title in the LEED Professional Directory.

Credential Maintenance Program (known as CMP) for LEED AP+s:

Participate in 30 hours of continuing education required every 2 years, with 6 hours obtained from an approved program specific to the LEED Rating System, credit categories, and LEED updates.

The information on Credentialing Maintenance will be available in the first quarter of 2009. The tiered system will be flexible to allow credit for other than taking a class or attending a workshop. Please visit http://www.gbci.org for more information.

Please note that LEED APs credentialed before June 30, 2009, who enroll in the new tiered system are not required to demonstrate involvement in a LEED Certification Project.

For more information on becoming an Accredited Professional and certifying building under LEED v3 go to: http://www.gbci.org

The US Green Building Council (USGBC) Louisiana Chapter is conducting a survey to better serve its members, help the chapter set priorities, and plan future events. The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete. By completing the survey you are automatically entered in a drawing for ONE (1) $100 VISA GIFT CARD OR TWO (2) $50 VISA GIFT CARDS. Prizes were donated by Unabridged Architecture who are "Restoring Balance to Our Relationship with Nature" and Culture Technologies, Inc. who are supporting the expansion of a new non-profit program for homeowners called 1House at a Time. The survey will be available on-line at the link below until July 3rd. Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this important survey and good luck in the drawing!

USGBC - LA MEMBERSHIP SURVEY

The USGBC Louisiana Chapter in conjunction with AIA & Global Green is hosting a presentation on the BeauSoleil, Louisiana Solar Home which has been designed and built by the students of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and has been chosen to be an entry in to the 2009 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition.

When: Wednesday May 20th
Where:Contemporary Arts Center
900 Camp Street
New Orleans LA

For more information on the BeauSoleil Home visit their web site @ http://www.beausoleilhome.org/

Episcopal High School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Design and Installation of Bioswales and Wetland Area at Episcopal High School tour led by Dana Brown of Brown + Brown landDesign

A series of bioswales and a wetland area have been installed in the main courtyard at Episcopal High School to solve drainage and water quality issues, and also as a site for teaching. EHS science teachers are developing courses to take advantage of BMP installation, operation, and maintenance.

When: Wednesday, May 13th, 5:30
Where: Episcopal High School
3200 Woodland Ridge Blvd Baton Rouge, LA 70816

Please contact Jason Jones @ jason@fusionarchitecture.com if you will be attending.

Find out more here.

We have TWO great happy hours for everyone to get together this month. That’s right, TWO!

We’ll be getting together at Pal’s in mid-city next Wednesday, April 22, to celebrate EARTH DAY. Come have a drink with us after work/class/daytime activities… it’ll be a nice way to unwind and celebrate the community of earth-loving people in New Orleans. The address is 949 N. Rendon.

Also, THIS FRIDAY, our traditional third Friday of the month, we’re hitching our wagon to another happy hour happening that evening, the concluding reception to the event below, From Katrina to Copenhagen: Promoting a Fair Climate Agenda. Please consider registering for the day to attend what’s sure to be a thought-provoking discussion of social equity and a national climate agenda. The reception begins at 6pm in the Pan American Building at 601 Poydras, and they have graciously invited us all to join in the fun.