Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know that Greenbuild365 courses are high-quality and not "greenwash"?
Greenbuild365 contains only courses offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) or USGBC Education Providers. Each Education Provider course is reviewed by trained third-party reviewers and meets the criteria and guidelines established by USGBC's Professional Development Committee. The courses are reviewed for the quality of their subject matter and instructional design. While some courses may be offered by product or service providers, all are verified to be educational, not commercial, in nature. Many courses also satisfy continuing education requirements for professional organizations. All USGBC courses are designed to meet the same rigorous criteria to which Education Providers are held.
Are there prerequisites for Greenbuild365 courses?
Any prerequisites are outlined within individual course descriptions in the Course Catalog. Although many courses do not have prerequisites, recommendations for coursework or understanding that students should have in advance of taking the course are offered.
What do the different course levels (100, 200, 300, 400) signify?
All courses have associated learning levels to help students determine if their current level of knowledge is appropriate for a given course. Learning levels are intended to provide a point of reference and do not serve as rigid guidelines. Learning levels are as follows:
- 100 Level - Awareness
Courses at this level are intended to introduce students to issues, and provide general information, including terminology, specific facts, principles and theories. These courses are typically more passive, focused on listening and reading. - 200 Level - Understanding
Courses at this level delve deeper into a specific issue and are focused on helping students grasp the meaning of informational materials. Although students learn primarily through listening and reading, these courses involve some interactivity with the instructor, other students and/or course materials. 100-level knowledge or coursework is recommended before taking a 200-level course. - 300 Level - Application
Courses at this level challenge students to use previously-learned information in concrete situations to solve problems. Taught via presentation and reading, they offer extensive interaction with the instructor, students and/or course materials (at least two of these). 200-level knowledge or coursework is strongly recommended before taking a 300-level course. - 400 Level - Mastery
Courses at this level use a diversity of teaching methods to guide students in creatively applying prior knowledge and skills. Students examine information and develop conclusions by identifying causes or motives, making inferences, and/or finding evidence to support generalizations. Extensive prerequisite knowledge, skills or coursework is highly recommended before taking 400-level course.
How many continuing education credits can I receive for taking a course?
When searching the Course Catalog, look in the right-hand column of a course description page for the table displaying continuing education information. This table includes the number of credits available with each credentialing agency for a given course.
Is there a Refund & Cancellation Policy for courses?
Visit the Refund & Cancellation Policy page for policies regarding USGBC courses. For refund or cancellation information regarding Education Provider courses, contact the provider directly.
Can I substitute a colleague in my place for a course? I have already paid for my registration.
For USGBC courses, yes. Refer to the Refund & Cancellation Policy page to learn more about the substitution policy. Note that your replacement must be employed by the same company as you. For substitution information regarding Education Provider courses, contact the provider directly.
Can I transfer my registration to another course?
For LEED workshops offered by USGBC, yes. Per the Refund & Cancellation Policy, transfers are accepted no later than one week before the original workshop date and must be submitted in writing to workshop@usgbc.org. It is only possible to transfer to another scheduled LEED workshop of the same value as your original registration. Attendees can only transfer to a workshop that is scheduled and has availability. Once you have transferred your workshop registration, you can no longer receive a refund for your registration. For transfer information regarding Education Provider courses, contact the provider directly.
I am a student and would like to receive the student rate for attending a USGBC workshop. What do I need to do?
A reduced rate of $150 for LEED workshop registrations is available to full-time, currently enrolled students only. To register under the student rate, follow the directions on the Discounts & Private Workshop Information page.
I attended a LEED workshop through USGBC. How do I access the online materials associated with my registration?
Only attendees of the LEED for New Construction, LEED for Commercial Interiors, LEED for Existing Buildings, and LEED for Schools Technical Review workshops receive online access to the workshop's corresponding reference guide and Credit Interpretation Rulings (CIR). To access these, sign in to www.usgbc.org, using the account used for your workshop registration, then visit the LEED section. Online reference guides are in the "LEED Resources" section. Credit Interpretation Rulings are in the "Project Certification" section.
We are interested in hosting a private LEED workshop at our office. How can we start the process?
Private workshops can only be hosted by USGBC National Member companies and are taught by our LEED-accredited faculty. If your company is not a USGBC National Member, consider joining. To learn how to schedule a private workshop, visit the Private Workshop Details page.
Does education offered by USGBC meet the same criteria to which Education Providers are held?
Yes. All new online courses and instructor-led workshops offered by USGBC are designed to meet stringent criteria for instructional design and subject matter. Existing courses go through the same rigorous review process as courses submitted by Education Providers. The USGBC Education Department continually improves offerings based on the review process, changes in the market, and attendee feedback.
Can my course be included in the catalog?
Yes. Any organization can be an Education Provider. To become an Education Provider and have your course(s) included in the catalog, you must register as a provider and then apply for a course review. Learn more about becoming an Education Provider.