7/1/09 Update: If you're looking to keep up to date on LEED 2009, I recommend checking out our own LEEDuser.com, which was recently launched Since the Green Building Certification Institute announced big changes to the LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) program (chronicled here), a few other key items have come out. First, the final date to register for the LEED AP exam in its current form has been set at March 31, 2009. The final date for "exam retirement" has not been set (meaning you can take the exam after that date, as long as you're registered), but is expected to be late May or June 2009. If you're planning to take the exam before it changes over, register before March 31! Why does it matter? A lot of people who currently qualify to become LEED APs by passing the exam will not qualify in the future, because they will need to also demonstrate actual LEED project experience. We've also recently learned about the disciplinary policy that all LEED APs will be required to sign. This gives GBCI legal ground to protect the good name of LEED APs everywhere if anyone starts acting badly. The general principles are fairly predictable: individuals must respect GBCI intellectual property and comply with GBCI rules, etc. GBCI also requires that individuals:

• Abide by laws related to the profession and to general public health and safety.
• Carry out their professional work in a competent and objective manner.

Nothing earth-shattering here, but interesting in that basic standards for the work of LEED APs will be the law of the land. It would be interesting (if unlikely) to see this policy grow to encompass environmental issues, to the extent that not being green enough would be grounds for disciplinary action. Who's the judge? GBCI lays out a disciplinary review procedure. But all it takes to get the ball rolling is an anonymous complaint:

Persons concerned with possible violation of GBCI rules are encouraged to contact GBCI. The person should submit a written statement identifying the persons alleged to be involved and the facts concerning the alleged conduct in detail, and the statement should be accompanied by any available documentation. The statement should also identify others who may have knowledge of the facts and circumstances concerning the alleged conduct. The person making the complaint should identify him-/herself by name, address and telephone number. However, GBCI will consider anonymous complaints.

Is this a good policy? Does it go far enough toward establishing a green "standard of care"? Read it here and let us know what you think.