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In this Newsletter:
 The USGBC California Advocacy Coalition (CAC) conducted its first ever Advocacy Day in Sacramento on July 8th. Members of the newly-formed CAC gathered in the state's capitol to introduce California's eight USGBC Chapters to 38 state lawmakers and their staff. Nearly 40 USGBC volunteers from all corners of the state joined forces to highlight how green building legislation, education and regulation are integral for ensuring a healthy environment and economy in California. They were joined by USGBC National Advocacy staff. USGBC-NCC Director Elizabeth Echols affirmed that the day was an overall success. "We exceeded our expectations for the CAC's first Advocacy Day and laid the groundwork to take our statewide advocacy efforts to the next level." Read on...
View more photos from Advocacy Day on our Flickr site.
On June 22nd, 35 graduates of the Oakland Green Job Corps celebrated the completion of a 6-month program and the beginning of their careers as members of the growing, green economy. The program trains participants in skilled trades, carpentry, solar installation, energy efficiency, green construction, and in principles of environmental sustainability.
During the ceremony, several graduates described how the Oakland Green Job Corps had significantly changed their lives. Their testimonials made an impact on USGBC-NCC Director Elizabeth Echols who was present for the graduation. "In addition to the rigorous training, what has impressed me the most about the program is its ability to transform the lives of people who would not otherwise have had an opportunity to participate in the green economy."
USGBC-NCC is recruiting employers to participate in the Green Employers Council. Employers will benefit by having access to a qualified, job-ready workforce, special recognition on the USGBC-NCC website, as well as high-profile media exposure through connection with the Oakland Green Jobs Corps. Stipends may be available to employers interested in hiring a worker from this program. The Council consists of businesses and nonprofits working in the energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green building sectors in the Oakland/East Bay area. Current Green Employers Council Members include: Swinerton Builders, Sustainable Spaces, and Solar City. Several of the graduates have already received jobs and the others are interviewing with a variety of Bay Area companies.
Interested in joining the Green Employers Council? Please contact Ashleigh Talberth.
Learn more about the Oakland Green Jobs Corps.
 With the launch of LEED 2009, a new LEED credentialing system is now available. The LEED Green Associate credential denotes basic knowledge of green design, construction, and operations. For more technical professionals, the LEED AP+ credentials denote knowledge of specific LEED rating systems. The LEED AP Fellow credential, to be released, will highlight professionals who have contributed to standards of practice and improvements in the green building field.
An important aspect of this new tiered structure is its inclusionary characteristic. Whereas LEED credentialing had historically been geared primarily for those professionals dealing with the technical application of LEED, the new Green Associate credential allows professionals from non-technical sectors to demonstrate their knowledge of green building.
The Green Associate credential proves a foundational knowledge of LEED and green building. This means that a broker, realtor, lawyer, consultant, or investor can now have a credential that clearly proves their fundamental understanding of LEED, a competitive advantage in a market that is quickly and surely turning green.
Take a LEED Core Concepts & Strategies workshop to gain a basic understanding of LEED and prepare for the Green Associate exam, or take a LEED 2009: Managing the Transition workshop for a comprehensive overview of the changes to LEED and green building.
For more information on becoming a LEED Green Associate, please visit GBCI.org
 As people across the world are becoming more environmentally and health conscious, demand for greener homes is on the rise. Recently, the USGBC launched the LEED AP Homes Exam and opened a public comment period for the LEED for Homes rating system. Developers in Northern Califronia are moving to meet the demand for green homes; two nearby neighborhoods have received LEED for Homes ratings for their buildings. Contra Costa County's first Zero Energy Community, Clarum Homes' Hansen Lane, received a LEED for Homes Gold Rating and Carston Crossing's Oakgrove Model 144-home neighborhood is being built with a commitment to certify under LEED for Homes.
What do you love about your Chapter membership? Why are you a Chapter member? Let us know, we'd love to hear from you!
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