Online Green Building Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should take this program?
The Green Building Certificate program is beneficial for professionals throughout design and building related industries. The course typically attracts working professionals who need critical knowledge about emerging green building practices in commercial and residential building, and who wish to enhance their careers. This course is appropriate for students who would like to become a LEED Green Associate since it satisfies the educational prerequisite for taking the exam. Many of our students successfully pass the LEED® Green Associates exam soon after completing the certificate program.

I've looked at other green education programs. How are you different from your competitors?
Colorado State University and its Institute for the Built Environment are recognized leaders with a long-standing tradition of expertise and industry-driven programs to educate today's professionals. When you earn a Green Building Certificate of Completion from Colorado State, you demonstrate that you have a leading-edge, multidisciplinary knowledge base for sustainability issues in the built environment from one of the nation's leading universities.

Is CSU's Green Building Certificate well-respected in the industry?
Colorado State University is "The Green University" and is a leader in educating the green workforce. In the Green Building Certificate program, you will learn from the respected faculty from the Institute for the Built Environment (IBE) and guest speakers who are international leaders in research and study of environmentally sustainable construction practices. The credential earned from this course is highly regarded by employers in the green building industry, providing a competitive edge to job-seekers.

What is the Institute for the Built Environment (IBE)?
Colorado State University's College of Applied Human Sciences faculty created the Institute for the Built Environment to bring together professionals and students from design and construction to solve problems through research related to the built environment. IBE has developed programs such as the Green Homes Certificate and the Green Building Certificate.

Does the Green Building Certificate program address both residential and commercial building?
Yes, approximately 50% of the course focuses on commercial buildings, 40% applies to all aspects of the built environment, and the remaining 10% relates to residential construction.

What will I receive at the end of the program?
Upon successful completion of the course, you receive a certificate showing that you have completed 4.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), equal to 42 class-time hours (fulfillment of CEUs are available as an option) You will also become part of an elite group of green building professionals who have the tools necessary to create positive results in the built environment. Green Building Certificate Program graduates benefit from this network by learning about green building events, innovations, and career opportunities through the growing network of certificate program alumna.

Will this course appear on my official transcript?
The Green Building Certificate is a noncredit program and does not appear on your official Colorado State University transcript, although you can include this valuable credential on your resume.