Are you wondering ‘which LEED AP is the best fit for me?’ One word sums up the LEED AP ID+C credential: Interiors. This credential and its associated rating system (with adaptations) focus exclusively inside the building envelope. Therefore, if you work on the building exterior or landscape – this is NOT the credential for you. If you work in material and finish selection, product manufacturing, or interior design and construction – this IS the credential for you.
LEED AP ID+C careers
The most obvious candidates for the LEED AP ID+C exam are Interior Architects and Interior Designers. Project managers, consultants, and construction managers in the word of interior fit-outs are also heavy users of the LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors rating system adaptations. Currently, they are often the best informed of current sustainability practices. Property Managers and Asset Managers who have an interest in construction work happening within the walls of their buildings may also find the LEED AP ID+C valuable, especially if their building has earned or is pursuing a LEED O+M certification. Knowledge of the LEED certification requirements specific to tenant fit-out projects could help these real estate professionals coordinate relevant base building requirements with the new project.
LEED ID+C project team
The fastest growing audience of professionals studying for the LEED Interior Design and Construction reference guide are the men and women who install the material finishes. Finish specialist include the carpet subcontractor who purchases adhesive. The cabinet installer who contracts with lumber companies. And the salvage reseller who receives decommissioned components. These are just a few examples of project team members who should be well informed of the LEED documentation requirements for interiors. The current version of LEED v4 rating systems focus intensely on intricate material attributes. The more you can educate and prepare yourself for documentation requests from your customers, the less time this will take during the projects themselves.
Free LEED AP ID+C Resources
The beauty of the LEED AP ID+C path is that you can use this relatively inexpensive investment to market yourself and your company against competitors. Clients may be willing to pay a premium for your services if you can help make their job easier by complying with LEED requirements and documenting the path from origin to install to occupancy.
LEED AP ID+C and Commissioning
Truth be told, although the LEED AP ID+C credential seems hyper specific-exclusively for interiors-the audience of applicants is large. One discipline that seems unlikely, but in reality is a great fit, are Certified Commissioning Authorities, or CxAs. These professionals do neither design nor construction; they perform quality assurance validation. Since the LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors rating system mostly excludes anything outside the moisture barrier, the credits weigh more heavily on indoor environment, compared to LEED BD+C. Commissioning (CX) credits are therefore a great investment for owners to pursue. As the Cx field is growing in demand, the LEED AP ID+C credential can help ensure more contracts and client retention.
With the same logic, if you are a mechanical engineer who specializes on small jobs or an IT specialist who sets up server rooms for small companies, than LEED AP ID+C is best fit for you. Exam candidates will find it easier to prepare for and pass the exam because the content is limited. You don’t have to worry about grass or trees when what you want to focus on is electrical infrastructure.
LEED ID+C Adaptations
Ease of access can be the right path for anyone who is just starting out in the sustainability field. Often students and project managers will pursue the LEED AP ID+C. It is a simple way to test their interest and engagement with LEED certification, without diving deep into the world of whole Building Design and Construction. The LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors rating system includes two adaptations: Retail and Hospitality. Therefore, if your job role is specialized to one of these two industries, you will want to pursue a designation of LEED AP ID+C.
In summary, the LEED AP Interior Design and Construction is a great credential to earn first and ease into the green building movement. If your projects or scope of service is small, LEED AP ID+C is best fit for you.
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