The LEED Professional Accreditation program began in 2001 and as of December 31, 2008, 77,434 individuals have become LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs).  Once managed through the U.S. Green Building Council, oversight of the program now falls into the hands of the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).

 

The majority of LEED APs are located in the United States (74,530) but other countries on the list include Canada (1,750 APs), the United Arab Emirates (303 APs), China (228 APs) and the United Kingdom (110 APs). 

  

The Obama Administration has vowed to include green jobs as part of the economic growth plan in the United States.  Understanding the part that it will indirectly play in this process, the U.S. Green Building Council published a press release yesterday - National Studies Show Green Building as Key Part of America's Economic Future.  Here is an excerpt:

According to Turner Construction Company’s “Green Building Barometer,” 75% of commercial real estate executives – including developers, rental building owners, brokers, architects, engineers and others – say the credit crunch will not discourage them from building green. In fact, 83% said they would be “extremely” or “very” likely to seek LEED certification for buildings they are planning to build within the next three years.

When a company is looking to start a building project with an aim for LEED certification, the use of a LEED AP not only garners a point for the company on the LEED certification checklist, it also helps the project stay on its eco-friendly building plan.  

As the new administration comes into office and more concrete economic growth plans are set, LEED APs are likely to see a surge in demand.