The American Society of Lanscape Architects (ASLA) announced recently that they would offer classes and workshops at their upcoming annual conference that are applicable towards LEED credential maintenance. For the first time ever the courses and workshops will grant LEED accredited professionals continuing education hours towards maintaining their accreditation. This is a wonderful step forward in terms of organizations coming together and providing for environmental professionals. When all these rating systems and organizations first started they were closed off in terms of their own standards, accreditation systems, etc.

Now that the ASLA is beginning to provide for LEED professionals at their annual conference, let's hope this act filters throughout the green building arena. Continuing education is so desperately needed at this time, to keep us current on issues and present answers to age-old problems with integrated solutions. I know being involved with my local USGBC chapter, we are currently trying to put together an education track for our members. Trying to institute programs that not only are educational, but apply to credential maintenance is a tough battle.

With organizations such as the USGBC, AIA, and ASLA all providing forms of maintenance for their own members and others, now starts a time where we have multiple options to learn. My only wish is that through this extension of education, other aspects of these organizations and rating systems they institute will also start to collaborate. LEED could learn a thing or two from the Sustainable Sites Initiative in particular, and I am sure others have thoughts as well. What are your thoughts on continuing education? Are the current systems set up very straightforward and helpful to professionals?