Course FAQ

About Course Benefits

Is sustainability still important in today’s retail economy?
Absolutely! Green building is increasingly being incentivized and even mandated by municipalities. Retailers will need to comply with these local requirements. In addition, brand enhancement is more important than ever, and communicating green building efforts is one way to improve consumer perception of a retail brand. Consider the following recent news:

• The End of Sustainability in Retail?

• Non-Residential Green Buildings to Reach 50% Share by 2015

• Market for Green Building Products Builds Through 2013

• Green Building Enjoyed Impressive Growth in 2009 Amid Brutal Construction Market

• Green Building to Support Nearly 8 Million U.S. Jobs Over Next 4 Years

• Green Building Retrofits to be 20-30% of Commercial Projects by 2014

How does this course differ from other Green Associate training programs on the market?
This course is designed for professionals in the retail environments industry. Green building principles are explained in terms familiar to A.R.E. members and retailers. All case studies and examples are taken from the retail environments industry. And the content incorporates issues members and retailers have communicated to A.R.E.

What if I don’t want to take the credentialing exam? Is this course still useful to me?
Yes. The green building principles outlined in this course help prepare you for your role in green retailing projects. However, we encourage you to consider obtaining the credential in order to demonstrate your achievement to others.

Will I receive any credit for continuing education for this course?
Architects: This course is AIA/CES-approved for 4 HSA/SD/LU Hours.
Designers: This course is IDCEC-accredited for 0.6 W CEU for ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA.

Will I receive a certificate of completion?
If you pass the course quiz by 80% or higher, you will be emailed a certificate of completion. Please allow two weeks for processing.

What is included in the course?
Access for a year to: seven video presentations, retail case studies, self-study exercises, self-assessment questions, definitions of pertinent terms, presentation pdfs, links to recommended additional resources, a course content discussion forum, and a course quiz.

About Credentialing

What is a LEED Green Associate?
A professional credential demonstrating green building expertise in non-technical fields of practice, LEED Green Associate is one of three levels of credentialing administered by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). The fastest-growing GBCI credential, LEED Green Associate is the most accepted professional standard for non-technical personnel on green building projects. This credential was designed for suppliers, support personnel, and others who do not work directly on LEED projects. In addition, it is the first step toward becoming a LEED Accredited Professional, a credential recognized as the professional standard for designers, architects, and others who may work directly on LEED projects. Criteria for eligibility and achievement of the credential will be explained in Module 1 of this course. The credential requires that you pass a GBCI exam. This course is designed to help you study for that exam.

Is the credentialing exam specific to retail?
There is no LEED Green Associate exam specific to retail. However, the use of retail examples throughout this course will enable you to understand the principles that will be addressed on the credentialing exam.

Is the credentialing exam included in the course fee?
No. A.R.E. does not administer the LEED Green Associate exam. Module 1 of this course will walk you through the process of applying for the exam through GBCI.

Will this course make me eligible to sit for the LEED Green Associate credentialing exam?
Engagement in (or completion of) an education program that addresses green building principles is one of three ways to become eligible to sit for the exam. Candidates are also required to agree to the Disciplinary and Exam Appeals Policy and Credential Maintenance Program and submit to an application audit as well as pay an application fee.

Will this course enable me to pass the LEED Green Associate credentialing exam?
A.R.E. makes no guarantees for passing the credentialing exam. Students are expected to study on their own, and additional sources for this purpose are recommended during this course.

What is the difference between the course quiz and the credentialing exam?
The credentialing exam is the means by which you can become a LEED Green Associate. Administered by GBCI, the exam is delivered by Prometric. Module 1 of this course walks you through how to register for the credentialing exam.
The course quiz enables you to prove completion of this course. A passing grade is 80% or higher. If you do not need proof of course completion, you are not required to take the quiz. Quiz questions will not appear on the exam.

About Course Delivery

How is the course delivered?
When you register, you will receive access to a course website comprising: seven video presentations that include case studies and self-assessment questions; self-study exercises; links to additional resources; and the course quiz and evaluation. You will also receive access to an online community for discussing course content, downloading course materials, and connecting with classmates.

Is the course offered at an on-site event?
At this time, this course is only offered online.

What equipment do I need to take the course?
A computer with Internet access, an up-to-date browser, up-to-date Flash, and Adobe Reader.

How much time should I set aside for the course?
Test subjects took from 2.5 to 12.25 hours. Your time will depend on your prior knowledge and experience. You may be able to quickly peruse some areas while needing to delve deeper into others. This course provides links to additional resources to help you study in-depth. We recommend a study regimen of one module per week; in addition to helping you maintain momentum, this will enable you to schedule additional time to study in-depth as needed.

What if I have questions about the content?
Share your questions in the online community. Chances are, someone else will be wondering the same thing, and the answers will benefit the entire class. This also allows everyone to join in the discussion rather than just you and the instructors. We encourage you to reply to others' questions and comments as well.

I'm registered and logged in. Why isn’t the video playing?
The modules require a password. Enter the password provided in the instructions you received upon registering. The password is also available on your online community. Please do not share this password with anyone else. Passwords are only provided to registrants. If you are not seeing the video after entering the password, update your version of Flash and/or your browser.

4651 Sheridan St Suite 470, Hollywood FL 33021 USA, Tel: 954-893-7300, are@retailenvironments.org