By Colleen Hardman
Thanks to the Barger Leadership Student Grant, I was able to take the Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design Green Associate exam through the United States Green Building
Council, an organization that is focused on sustainability within the building industry through
both revitalization of existing infrastructure and the creation of new buildings. This certification
serves as an entry point into the topics of green building, including understanding water
efficiency in buildings and developing sustainable sites. As an International Studies major with
minors in sustainability and urban studies, I lack technical skills commonly associated with
urban planning and architecture fields, despite having a deep passion for the field and for
sustainability! Achieving this certification provides me with not only a more specialized
knowledge base in the sustainability industry, but also enhances my skills from a technical
standpoint. Having this certification will really help to increase my confidence as I go into the
professional field next year– and has already made me feel more sure of my capabilities in my
current internship, as even though the industries are in no way similar, I know that I have the
potential to achieve difficult outcomes in order to better myself professionally and personally.
This program and test was very much out of my comfort zone given my background, but
knowing that I was able to discipline myself to study for this exam and familiarize myself with
unknown concepts has increased my confidence in my personal life! This has been an
invaluable experience, and the effects of this certification will continue to impact my professional
and personal life.
