Six years ago Seattle Central Community College and Seattle City Light submitted a joint proposal that did not get funded. But the “can do” attitude of administrators resulted in the proposed program being implemented on a self-support basis. Thus was born the Sustainable Building Advisory Certificate Training Program.

“From its very start the program was a success because of the interest, need and demand,” said Mary Castillano, SCL’s director of Energy Conservation Management.

The first year (1998-1999) was the development year and the inaugural graduation group participated in an in-depth evaluation that launched a series of improvements that resulted in program growth.

Visit www.sustainableseattle.net for more information.

Kathleen O’Brien, principal in O’Brien and Associates, became the instructional leader and has assisted in its transformation from a local program of note, to one with an ever-growing national demand. The program provides a comprehensive study of the key elements in making a building sustainable.

According to Dr. Tony Ogilvie, the College’s Executive Dean of Continuing and Professional Education, the program receives calls from individuals and groups throughout the US and internationally as well, expressing interest in hosting or replicating this unique program.

To date nearly 200 professionals from architectural, engineering, general contracting, building management and environmental specialty firms have graduated from this program that exceeds seat capacity each year.

The three stakeholders in the program are in the process of forming the National Sustainable Building Advisor Program that will administer a test for graduates to earn a NaSBAP certificate to add to their resume.