Frequently Asked Questions: Sustainable Building Advisor Program
Why should I consider the CaGBC’s Sustainable Building Advisor Program?
- The nine-month SBA certification course requires no existing green building education or experience and is focused on practical, forward-thinking ways to design, construct and manage buildings that are resource efficient, environmentally responsible, cost effective, and healthy for all occupants.
- The program covers all credential maintenance requirements for LEED-accredited professionals, and Canadian architects are awarded core Continuing Education Learning Units in most provinces.
- This nine-month intensive program provides a unique opportunity to analyze and solve problems in real time while being delivered in a format that allows students to also maintain a full-time job.
- Upon completion, students attain the professional designation of a Certified Sustainable Building Advisor (CSBA).
- In-person instruction and interaction with fellow students in the building, design and environmental professions enables you to build a professional network while taking the course.
- Local experts as guest instructors, who bring regional knowledge and information resources to the program to ensure the education provided is current and relevant to the geographic location and business opportunities in that area.
- Field trips to regional projects that have incorporated the ideas taught in the course.
Who should enroll in the SBA Program?
There are no limitations to who can participate in the program, and there are no prerequisites. Whether you are a seasoned green building professional or looking to work in an exciting and growing field, the CaGBC’s SBA program will open up new opportunities for you. This nine-month certification course requires no existing green building education or experience and is focused on practical, forward-thinking ways to design, construct and manage buildings that are resource efficient, environmentally responsible, cost effective, and healthy for all occupants.
Many students have building, design or environmental backgrounds, though the program is accessible to a wide range of professionals in different industries, including: engineering, government, research, resource conservation, utilities, and consulting. You must be able to commit to meet the program requirements, including attendance at all nine sessions (two full days per session, typically on Friday and Saturday, once a month, over a nine-month period).
What’s the difference between CSBA and other professional designations?
The SBA Program covers a comprehensive breadth of topics about sustainability and sustainable building. The CSBA designation signifies that an individual has completed a rigorous nine-month program and has demonstrated knowledge by successful passing of the CSBA exam. The SBA Program does cover topics and information that are included in other professional designations, such as the USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and professional accreditation, but it is not a course designed to prepare individuals to take the LEED AP exam.
In most cases, the CSBA designation is very complimentary with other designations that are more focused on one’s ability to implement the requirements of a specific rating system, such as the LEED rating system.
Does the SBA Program count towards other professional accreditations?
Yes. For LEED AP Credential Maintenance, the Green Building Certification Institute’s (GBCI) approved Education Reviewing Body (ERB), the US Green Building Council Education Provider Program (EPP), has approved the SBA Program for LEED AP credential maintenance credits. The SBA Program also fulfills the LEED Green Associate Exam eligibility criteria of an education program that addresses green building principles. Please contact GBCI directly to learn about the credential maintenance process, details, and confirm
your eligibility.
Also to note: Canadian architects are awarded core Continuing Education Learning Units in many provinces in conjunction with taking the SBA Program.
What is the difference between SBA and the LEED Accredited Professional (AP)?
LEED accreditation (AP) enables an individual to facilitate the rating of buildings with the various LEED systems. Between 2001 and June 2009, LEED accreditation required that candidates only pass one exam to earn their LEED AP designation. Since June 2009, LEED accreditation has three tiers and requires candidates to pass a series of LEED exams. There are no specific courses required.
On the other hand, the SBA Program is a nine-month curriculum with over 115 contact hours taught by local experts with experience and knowledge in each topic area. The program includes presentations, class participation, group projects, papers, and site visits. You must complete the program to be eligible to take the exam. Once you have completed the program and the exam, you will be awarded the designation CSBA, Certified Sustainable Building Advisor.
The SBA program is approved by the USGBC as part of their Education Provider Program. The EPP facilitates access to high-quality, peer-reviewed courses for professionals seeking to go beyond LEED and enrich their knowledge of green building theories, techniques, and business trends.
How are LEED and SBA complementary?
The SBA Program is approved as an education requirement for LEED Green Associates; in addition the SBA Program is approved for 100 hours of credential maintenance requirements for LEED Accredited Professionals (AP).
Many LEED APs take the SBA Program to expand their training. We encourage SBA students who intend to work on LEED buildings to go on and take their LEED exam.
Who are the instructors of the SBA Program?
The SBA Program is taught by guest instructors who are local professionals working in the green building industry. They are able to provide the latest information and experience to the program. As guest instructors are from the local community, this also allows them to provide examples that are relevant to the region in which the course is being held, offer unique local perspectives, and offer tours of buildings they have worked on in that region. Getting to know the guest instructors is also great way for someone in the SBA Program to build their network of green
professionals.
What if you are not already in the building industry or a related field? Is the SBA Program still applicable for you?
We all live and work in a built environment, and therefore anyone with an interest in diverse approaches to sustainability in that built environment is welcome. There are often several people in the class who have little or no actual professional building experience. The diverse backgrounds of the students is one of the program’s key assets, as it promotes active conversation among students in various fields, and also contributes to the course discussions with the instructors.
What kinds of organizations/companies are currently looking for people with SBA training or SBA Certification (CSBA)?
Any organization or company that is serious about ’greening’ their business or operations would recognize the knowledge gained from this program. Architectural and engineering firms, contractors, developers, consultants, municipalities, large corporations, planning commissions, real estate, and environmental firms, are all potential employers.
What has the feedback been from course graduates?
Past SBA students have found the SBA Program very useful. As one participant said: “The content was up- to-date, realistic, and well-presented. I found the instructors very personable, encouraging, inclusive, and passionate about their particular fields.”
When asked about whether or not graduates of the course felt ready to ‘hit the ground running’ following the course and apply the knowledge they’d gained, one graduate responded: “Yes, it was immediately applicable. I am developing a waste management plan for a company I work with, advising on a conversion of existing buildings using green building principles and materials for another project, and facilitating a green renovating presentation so the knowledge was useful right away.”
Lastly, students found the time commitment out of class was manageable. One participant said: “The actual minimum time commitment for reading and team work could be accomplished quite easily – I put a lot into studying, writing and the practicum project, and feel that I have benefitted proportionately.”
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