- Open to members of the construction trades - contractors & field personnel - 

Louisville, KY – Members of the construction trades now have the opportunity to gain a green certification through the “Green Advantage Training and Certification” program now offered by the Louisville Urban League’s (LUL) Center for Workforce Development in partnership with the Kentucky U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).  The Kentucky USGBC has developed the two-day training to help contractors, field personnel, construction workers, and others understand their role in residential and commercial green building projects.

“Green” practices and principals play a key role in today’s construction industry.  It’s important we use this technology to better adapt and preserve our environment for future generations,” said LUL President & CEO, Ben Richmond.

The Green Advantage Training and Certification program is facilitated by certified instructors from the Kentucky USGBC, and is designed for project managers, commercial or residential general contractors, subcontractors, foremen, laborers and material suppliers who are interested in learning more about sustainable design and construction practice to increase job skills or market a business.  Training topics include:  Understanding of Sustainability and Green Building, Site & Land Use, Water, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials, Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation in Design & Integrated Strategies. 

The Green Advantage Training will be held from 9 AM – 5 PM on two consecutive Saturdays. The August and September classes were filled early and the next available class will be held on October 16 & 23. The Saturday following each two-day session, a 90-minute, Green Advantage Exam is administered. Training is provided at a discounted rate of $100 due to a generous grant provided by Walmart. The Certification exam requires a payment of $175 to Green Advantage. All training and testing will be administered at the Louisville Urban League located at 1535 West Broadway, Louisville, KY 40203. 

The training program has been approved for 14 Building Contractor CEU credits by Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations. In addition, 8 AIA/CES Sustainable Design/HSW Learning Units are available for passing the certification exam at the advanced level of 80% or higher.

Seating is limited to 25 participants on a first to come basis.  Reservations can be made by calling 502.566.3371 or online at www.lul.org/Email/GreenAdvantageTraining.htm

The program offered by the League is funded in part by a generous grant from Walmart.

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About the Louisville Urban League

Since 1921, the Louisville Urban League has assisted disadvantaged people attain social and economic stability and prosperity through direct services and advocacy. The Urban League’s Center for Workforce Development touches more than 6,000 people annually through job search assistance and placement programs, and through its Career Expos. For more information, go to www.lul.org.

About Kentucky U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building certification program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, go to http://www.usgbckentucky.org/

About Green Advantage

Green Advantage, Inc. was selected in 1998 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through a competitive grant process to develop and deliver a training and certification program for building-related professionals. Green Advantage® was piloted in 2001 in Florida. Over 5000 individuals throughout the United States are Green Advantage® Certified. For more information, go to http://www.greenadvantage.org/