Sustainable SITES Accredited Professional

Sustainable SITES Accredited Professional. The Sustainable SITES Accredited Professional (SITES AP) is a certification program developed by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, United States Botanic Garden, and American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) to recognize professionals who demonstrate expertise in sustainable design and development practices. This certification is administered by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), which also oversees the LEED Accredited Professional program. The SITES AP credential is designed for professionals working in Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, and other related fields, such as Urban Planning and Ecology.

● Introduction to

Sustainable SITES Accredited Professional The Sustainable SITES Accredited Professional certification is based on the SITES Rating System, a comprehensive framework for developing sustainable landscapes, which was developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and National Park Service. This rating system is designed to promote sustainable development practices, such as Rainwater harvesting, Greywater reuse, and Green infrastructure, in Land development projects. The SITES AP certification program is recognized by organizations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Planning Association (APA), and International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP). Professionals who obtain the SITES AP credential demonstrate their knowledge of sustainable design principles, Ecosystem services, and Environmental stewardship practices, as well as their ability to apply these principles in real-world projects, such as those implemented by the Trust for Public Land and The Nature Conservancy.

● Eligibility and Certification Requirements

To become a Sustainable SITES Accredited Professional, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements, which include holding a Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, or Civil Engineering, from an accredited institution, such as the University of California, Berkeley or Harvard University. Candidates must also have a minimum of two years of Work experience in a related field, such as working with organizations like the National Audubon Society or World Wildlife Fund. The certification exam is administered by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) and covers topics such as sustainable design principles, Ecosystem services, and Environmental stewardship practices, as well as Climate change mitigation and Adaptation strategies. The exam is designed to test a candidate's knowledge of the SITES Rating System and their ability to apply it in real-world projects, such as those implemented by the City of New York or State of California.

● Benefits of SITES Accreditation

The Sustainable SITES Accredited Professional certification offers numerous benefits to professionals, including recognition of their expertise in sustainable design and development practices, as well as enhanced career opportunities with organizations such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). SITES APs are also eligible for Continuing education credits and can participate in professional development opportunities, such as those offered by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP). Additionally, the SITES AP credential demonstrates a professional's commitment to sustainable development and Environmental stewardship, which can be an asset when working with clients, such as the City of Chicago or State of Oregon, who prioritize Sustainability and Environmental responsibility.

● Role

in Sustainable Land Development Sustainable SITES Accredited Professionals play a critical role in promoting sustainable development practices in Land development projects, such as those implemented by the United States Army Corps of Engineers or Bureau of Land Management. They work with clients, such as the National Park Service or United States Forest Service, to design and develop sustainable landscapes that minimize Environmental impact and promote Ecosystem services, such as Habitat restoration and Watershed management. SITES APs also collaborate with other professionals, such as Architects, Engineers, and Ecologists, to ensure that sustainable design principles are integrated into all aspects of a project, from Site planning to Construction management, as seen in projects implemented by the City of Seattle or State of Massachusetts.

● Maintenance and Continuing Education

To maintain their Sustainable SITES Accredited Professional credential, professionals must complete Continuing education requirements, which include earning a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education credits every two years, as well as paying annual Dues to the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). The continuing education credits must be related to sustainable design and development practices, such as Green building and Renewable energy, and can be earned through various activities, such as attending conferences, workshops, and online courses, offered by organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA) or National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP). SITES APs must also adhere to the GBCI's Code of ethics and Professional conduct guidelines, as well as those of their respective professional organizations, such as the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) or International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP).

● Career Opportunities and Applications

The Sustainable SITES Accredited Professional certification can lead to various career opportunities in fields such as Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, and Urban Planning, with organizations like the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), or The Nature Conservancy. SITES APs can work as Sustainability consultants, Landscape architects, or Environmental planners, and can apply their knowledge and skills to a wide range of projects, from Park design and Trail development to Watershed management and Ecosystem restoration, as seen in projects implemented by the City of San Francisco or State of New York. The SITES AP credential can also be beneficial for professionals working in related fields, such as Architecture, Engineering, and Construction management, and can be recognized by organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA) or National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).