Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Live Green, Live Smart GBP designation worth having on my business card, website, or advertising?
A: “Live Green, Live Smart is focused on research, education, consulting and certification. We help people around the world live in a better environment.  Unlike other training organizations we have built the world’s greenest homes as primary research pilot projects for the world’s biggest green organizations.  We have taught thousands of individuals and have consulted with major organizations and companies worldwide about sustainability.”

Q: Who cares about green?
A: Depending on where you are, green is going to be the new building and remodeling codes of the future.  LEED for Homes® and other programs will come to dominate the future of the industry. Clients in the US and Canada will want a green certified home and commercial buildings; do you know what that means? Link to USGBC (us) and CGBC (Canada)

Q: Is the GBP program sponsored by my professional association or governmental program?
A: No, the GBP is an independent program; neither of these two organizations endorse any third party designation
Live Green, Live Smart is affiliated for training and marketing support with the CSP association based in Canada

Q: What is the value proposition, why is the GBP of value to me?
A: There are over 15 million builders and building trades people in North America; do you know how to make yourself stand out?  A GBP designation tells clients you know the business of green. Green is the new focus of over 22% of real estate buyers and sellers, green is about global survival.  Do you know the <a href="/library/papers/trends.aspx">trends</a> toward green? Green Building Professionals are able to help clients buy, remodel, build and design smarter and sell more effectively when the time comes to move (faster, profitable) Green is about saving energy and resources, saving money, family health and protecting the planet.  With our program you learn more about the reasons green is coming on strong. Your knowledge of the ecosystem will give you the ability to talk intelligently with clients that are buying and selling sustainable properties and because they are informed about global warming, over population and collapse of portions of the ecosystem you can address their comments intelligently.

Q: If you “green wash” them and just do a green market reposition or green PR program you risk the loss of a good client relationship and perhaps your creditability. Do you know the answers to some of the key questions a client may ask you during a conversation? 
A: A GBP is a consultant to the client; they add more value to the relationship.  They help the client navigate the tricky waters of sustainable housing and commercial property in the process of buying, selling, building and remodeling.

Q: How long is the GBP certification good for?
Two years from the time it is issued
After two years there is a renewal fee of $100 and additional is education required, which if taken in the classroom will have associated fees
Renewal education is less time consuming and may apply for C.E.U. credits.

Q: Is there anything beyond the GBP certification?
A: Yes, the Master Builder Professional (MBP)
After two years as a GBP any compliant individual may take the two-day course to earn a Master Builder Professional. This is an exclusive program, which requires experience and additional training

Q: Is the GBP's name available for others to view?
Each GBP is listed by location and their contact data is provided on the LGLS website once they are certified  
A: LGLS is well funded and will maintain this information in a secure environment
If your client wants references they can be directed to the Live Green, Live Smart web address or e-mail Live Green, Live Smart for verification

Q: Can anyone else become a Live Green, Live Smart GBP?
No, this is exclusively for professionals in your industry

Q: How does this program differ from other green programs in the market?
A: There are several good programs for the industry. Each program has its strengths and weakness.  The Live Green, Live Smart professional program is a different level of accreditation.  It is primarily classroom based, we use primary and secondary research, and we have actually built the world’s greenest home so we know about the issues first hand. We use textbooks written by experts and avoid the not invented here syndrome; you get solid and reliable content.  Our staff is extensively trained and certified and knows the industry.  We focus on the science that is driving green construction, the science behind the ecosystem issues and we teach you about the green building certification programs in North America, rebates, incentives and tax credits, while other programs tend to be more marketing focused.  Like any industry individuals will often carry several certifications, so we never discourage a professional from taking another program.

Q: What is the Cost?
A: The cost is comparable to other certification programs.  Depending on where you must travel to take the training and your expenses or if the certification is completed with an organization.  For cost specifics contact the Live Green, Live Smart licensed training center: www.stagingtraining.com

Q: Does this qualify for Continuing Education Credits?
A: It can and in some locations is available for CEUs. Contact us for details.