Certifications and guidelines

Explore the numerous national and regional programs that certify green building and design professionals and projects.

Professional certification
Registered Health House® Builder
Recognizing that lung health begins at home, the American Lung Association Health House program's mission is to raise the standard of the way homes are built, renovated, and maintained.

Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
Professional certification
Certified Energy Manager
The CEM® designation recognizes individuals who have demonstrated high levels of experience, competence, proficiency, and ethical fitness in the energy-management profession.

Certified Indoor Air Quality Professional
A CIAQP has satisfied the requirements of the Certification Board, and has proved him- or herself capable of managing how technical, regulatory, and industrial-hygiene factors impact indoor air quality. The professional knows how to interpret IAQ tests and measurements, analyze sources of IAQ pollutants, and makes recommendations on how to prevent, resolve, and mitigate IAQ problems.

Certified Lighting Efficiency Professional
To become a Certified Lighting Efficiency Professional, the candidate must demonstrate to the Certification Board the knowledge and ability to apply the essentials of lighting management.

Building Performance Institute
Professional certification
BPI Certified
BPI certification is available to professionals with expertise in the evaluation of critical performance parameters of a building that impact health, comfort, safety, reliability, durability, efficiency, and performance.
BPI Certification Information

EcoBroker International
Professional certification
Certified EcoBroker ®
The EcoBroker designation is available to licensed real estate agents who complete a three-part training program focused on energy efficiency, environmental issues, and marketing to green-minded consumers.
EcoBroker Curriculum Information

Energy Star - GBB Strategic alliance
Professional certification
Energy Star Indoor Air Certified [PDF]
These specifications from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency focus on improving indoor air quality and health. A related pilot program certifies houses that meet requirements.

Energy Star qualified new home
Homes that earn the energy star must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star–qualified homes are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC).  The homes can include a variety of energy-efficient features, such as effective insulation, high performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment, and Energy Star–qualified lighting and appliances.

Builders who are approved and partnered with Energy Star have agreed to build at least one Energy Star–certified home every twelve months. Note that the building guidelines set forth by Energy Star do not apply in California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, where regional guidelines will continue to define Energy Star–qualified homes.
Energy & Environmental Building Association
Professional certification

EEBA Certified
EEBA Certification is awarded to professionals who have completed a curriculum of building-science education designed by the EEBA Institute of Building Technology. Required coursework covers topics such as building envelopes and interior structure, mechanical systems, indoor environmental health, and sustainability.

EEBA MasterBuilder
The EEBA MasterBuilder designation is awarded to builders who have completed a MasterWork project in addition to the coursework required to attain basic EEBA Certification.

Checklist/ guidelines
Environments for Living
Checklist/ guidelines
This comprehensive green checklist developed by a large national contractor-services company focuses on energy efficiency, comfort, health, and environmental stewardship.

Green Advantage
Professional certification
Green Advantage Certified ®
Green Advantage® certification is available to construction professionals (builders, architects, designers, contractors) who have demonstrated their knowledge about healthy, high-performance buildings.
National Association of Homebuilders
Checklist/ guidelines
This detailed industry-developed checklist provides details on green construction practices.

US Green Building Council - GBB Strategic alliance
Professional certification
LEED® Accredited Professional
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED Professional Accreditation distinguishes individuals who understand and can interpret and apply the LEED Rating System to green building projects.

LEED for Homes
The U.S. Green Building Council offers a checklist for residential structures less than four stories tall (LEED-H). A certification program is in the pilot stage.

Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) 
Professional certification
Certified Energy Rater
RESNET rater members have demonstrated technical proficiency in providing a comprehensive analysis of a home's major energy systems and components.