Studies reveal growing demand for LEED-Credentialed Professionals across building sector

Words: Rick FedrizziThe U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced the results of a study of job postings from across the United States, revealing that demand for the LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) and LEED Green Associate credentials grew 46 percent over a 12-month period.

“This figure tells a powerful story about the value that building-industry employers assign to knowledgeable, LEED-credentialed professionals,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “LEED is a transformative force within the building sector, and every day, our network of more than 197,000 LEED APs and Green Associates are helping to advance the industry and push building projects to new heights of performance and resource efficiency.”

The study, conducted by USGBC education partner Pearson, using data provided by Burning Glass, found a total of 9,033 U.S. job postings from March 2013 to February 2014 that required a LEED credential. Top fields being advertised included available positions in mechanical, electrical and civil engineering; construction management; architecture; software development; sales management; property management; and interior design, among others.

A secondary 90-day study conducted by Pearson, using data provided by Burning Glass, from January 2014 to March 2014 of 2,354 U.S. green-building related positions also found LEED as the skill in highest demand by a wide margin. LEED appeared in 59 percent of all postings, compared to the second-most-required skill, which appeared in 17 percent of the postings.

The LEED AP credential affirms advanced knowledge in specialized areas of green building, expertise in a particular LEED rating system and competency in the certification process. It is suited for practitioners actively working on LEED projects to showcase their deep technical knowledge of LEED in both principle and practice.

The LEED Green Associate demonstrates a solid, current understanding of green building principles and practices. It is ideal for both professionals newer to the sustainability field or looking to gain experience and exposure to LEED, as well as those working in diverse roles such as product manufacturers, students, real estate professionals, contractors and more.

In January 2014, USGBC launched Education @USGBC, a new platform featuring world-class courses for LEED professionals to maintain their credentials through continuing education. Yearly subscriptions are available for $199, with discounts available for USGBC members, students and organizations.To learn more about Education @USGBC, visit usgbc.org/education-at-usgbc, and to learn more about LEED credentialing, visit usgbc.org/credentials.
About: Featured
 0
Masonry Mortar: The Right Type for the Job
May 2025

When it comes to masonry construction, mortar is much more than “glue” that holds everything together — it’s a critical component of wall performance, longevity, and aesthetics. It can “make it or break it”. Whether you’re laying a foundation CMU wall or

Garen Graves
Featured MAP Partner
Mortar
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 20 Recap: Mark Kemp, Superior Masonry
May 2025

Justin Stengel
Read More
How It’s Made: Clay Thin Brick
May 2025

Clay thin brick is a versatile alternative to traditional full brick. It comes in numerous colors and styles and offers something for every design preference. Thanks to the lighter weight, it is designed to reach spaces full brick cannot. From floors to c

Allison Goley
Featured MAP Partner
Read More
Bonding with Masonry 2025: Q1
May 2025

This issue’s questions come from an Architect and a Mason Contractor. What questions do you have? Send them to info@masonrymagazine.com, attention Technical Talk. Q. An Architect asks how to create a narrow masonry pier between openings. Is there a min

David Biggs
Featured
Read More