trying to focus...

I'm hitting the books - well one book - to study for an upcoming exam. I've only been out of school a few years but its amazing how quickly study habits leave you - reading this much, taking notes - it feels like a little bit of torture. BUT its for a good cause.

I happen to work in a field that can make a big impact environmentally. According to the USGBC's (United States Green Building Council) website:

In the United States alone, buildings account for:

• 70% of electricity consumption

• 39% of energy use

• 39% of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions

• 40% of raw materials use

• 30% of waste output (136 million tons annually)

• 12% of potable [clean, drinkable] water consumption

One way professionals in the architecture/design/engineering/building field can contribute is creating buildings that are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. Basically a rating system - buildings earn points for eco-friendly attributes. To become more knowledgeable about this system, professionals can become LEED accredited. This involves memorizing a big ol' reference guide and then taking a test - hence my studying. I'm planning on taking it before the holidays...wish me luck! And excuse some skimpy posting in the next month or two.

Photo of the Bronx Library in New York, which has a LEED Silver. See more certified projects here. Photo from here.