What is Unique about SBA
Building professionals currently in the workforce may not have had sustainability training in their educational background. There is a general lack of skills in green building which has created a professional capacity crunch. The SBA Program addresses the needs of professionals to enhance their knowledge and achieve a certificate in green building.
The unique aspects of the SBA Program are
The ability to take comprehensive program while working full time: There are many courses which provide a half day, 2 days or even 5 days of green building education, and there are many 2 year certification programs offered through colleges and universities, but the SBA Program is unique in that it offers a flexible 3 part format where working professionals can take the core curriculum online, sign up with a field provider for project experience, and take the exam online when convenient.. Working professionals are able to take the course with minimum impact on their jobs, and maximum flexibility.
Local aspect through Guest Experts & Networking
The SBA Program is designed to be national and local at the same time. The curriculum is covers green building in a national or international scope, and the Guest Lecturers bring in the local experience, case studies and community. This gives students the best of both worlds – they are learning from local green building professionals who they are likely to connect with in their future projects, and they are learning curriculum that is very relevant to their local area, while earning a national certificate.
Real Building Experience
Students will tour 3 -4 or more sites during the program. These tours will be conducted by the Architect, Engineer, Owner or some knowledgeable member of the design team. There is an amazing amount to be learned when you can see and touch real –life examples. In addition, students will work on a real building project. This gives students lots of time to work through various green building strategies in an integrated project with a field provider.
SBA Certificate
The Certified Sustainable Building Advisor designation is unique in that it is not attached to a specific rating system, (i.e. LEED) or aspect of green building (i.e. Energy Advisor). SBA is a well-rounded green building certificate that is a valuable asset to anybody in the business of green building. Our graduates have careers in architecture, development, construction, engineering, real estate, sustainable policy, green building, planning and even sustainable film set production. Many of our graduates have moved up in their careers because of the SBA accreditation; others have moved on to careers that are more in line with their goals. SBA is applicable to a wide range of professions.
Professional Credentials – Continuing Education Credits Available
• The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
• The Education Reviewing Body (ERB) of the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) hours towards LEED Professional credential maintenance.
• The SBA Program fulfills the LEED Green Associate exam eligibility criteria of an education program that addresses green building principles.
• The USGBC Education Provider Program (EPP) has rated the SBA Program as a Level 400 (Mastery) Program.
Community building
Students need to be in an environment where there is an opportunity to make meaningful connections and relationships. The SBA Program surrounds students with like-minded, building professionals. In addition, students meet guest experts working in the green building industry in their city. Students benefit from the relationships that develop in class, both between the students themselves, and with the Guest Experts. Students who take an on-line course do not get out into the community and meet the motivators, the ones making green building happen. They don’t connect with others in the field in the way that the SBA Program facilitates. According to Energy and Resources Canada, they are not seeing benefit from strictly online programs in terms of translation into jobs. Students need to be in an environment where there is an opportunity to make meaningful connections and relationships in a project field experience.