FAQ

Who should enroll in the SBA Program?

There are no limitations to who can participate in the program, and there are no prerequisites. Many SBAi students have building, design, or environmental backgrounds, though the program is accessible to a wide range of professionals in many different industries, including engineering, government, research, resource conservation, utilities, and consulting. You must be able to commit to meet the program requirements, including attendance at all nine sessions (two full days per session, typically on Friday and Saturday, once a month).

Where and when is the SBA Program offered?

The SBA Program is offered across the United States and in Canada through local community colleges and other organizations. To accommodate professional schedules, the program typically meets once a month, all day Friday and Saturday, for nine (9) months from October through June. Scheduling and registration is handled through individual Providers. Please use the links in the sidebar to be directed to individual Provider websites.

How much does the SBA Program cost?

The cost varies by Provider and location, please contact your local Provider for prices. Please use the links in the sidebar to be directed to individual Provider websites.

How do I register for the SBA Program?

Contact the program Provider near you for details. Please use the links in the sidebar to be directed to individual Provider websites.

What if there is no SBA Program near me?

If you don’t see an SBA Program listed near you, contact us and we will keep you updated as new schools offer the program in your area. Or you can tell the continuing education department at your local community college to contact us for information on offering the program.

How do I learn more about the SBA Program and the SBA Institute?

Contact your local Provider to learn about upcoming Information Sessions or to obtain the latest program schedule. Please use the links in the sidebar to be directed to individual Provider websites. For information about the national program, contact the SBA Institute.

What’s the difference between CSBA and other professional designations?

The SBA Program covers a comprehensive breadth of topics about sustainability and sustainable building, and the CSBA designation signifies that an individual has completed the rigorous 9-month program and has demonstrated knowledge by successful passing of the CSBA exam. The SBA Program does cover topics and information that are included in other professional designations, such as the USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and professional accreditation, but it is not a course designed to prepare individuals to take the LEED AP exam. In most cases, the CSBA designation is very complimentary with other designations that are more focused on one’s ability to implement the requirements of a specific rating system, such as the LEED rating system.

Does the SBA Program count towards other professional accreditations?

AIA: The American Institute of Architects has approved the SBA Program for 100 Learning Units, which includes the Sustainable Development credits. Students must submit their AIA number to their instructor prior to the last class. The SBA Institute will submit information for all students who have successfully completed the program to the AIA within eight weeks of program completion.
LEED AP Credential Maintenance: The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI)’s approved Education Reviewing Body (ERB), the US Green Building Council Education Provider Program (EPP), has approved the SBA Program for LEED AP credential maintenance credits. Please contact GBCI to learn about the credential maintenence process, details, and confirm the SBA Program as credential maintenance.
LEED Green Associate Exam Eligibility: The SBA Program fulfills the LEED Green Associate exam eligibility criteria of an education program that addresses green building principles. Please contact GBCI directly to learn about the credential maintenance process, details, and confirm your eligibility.

What is the difference between the SBA Program and the Earth Advantage Sustainable Homes Professional Training?

The SBA Program and Earth Advantage’s Sustainable Homes Professional certification course are complimentary programs, with very different purposes. The SBA Program is a comprehensive course on sustainable building in both the residential and commercial building industries, which imparts a deep understanding of the importance of sustainable building. The SBA Program covers both conceptual and practical elements of sustainability, as well as addresses relevant regional challenges and opportunities.

What is the difference between SBA and LEED?

LEED accreditation (AP) enables an individual to facilitate the rating of buildings with the various LEED systems. Between 2001 and June 2009, LEED accreditation required that candidates only pass one exam to earn their LEED Accredited Professional designation. After June 2009, LEED accreditation has three tiers and requires candidates to pass a series of LEED exams. There are no specific courses required.
The SBA Program is a 9-month curriculum with over 115 contact hours taught by local experts with experience and knowledge in each topic area. The program includes presentations, class participation, group projects, papers and site visits. You must complete the program to be eligible to take the exam. Once you have completed the program and the exam, you will be awarded the designation CSBA, Certified Sustainable Building Advisor.
The SBA program is approved by the AIA for 100 LCU’s and by the USGBC as part of their Education Provider Program. The EPP facilitates access to high-quality, peer-reviewed courses for professionals seeking to go beyond LEED and enrich their knowledge of green building theories, techniques, and business trends. Education Provider courses – developed and delivered by USGBC member organizations and chapters – serve a broad audience of building professionals, trades, and anyone interested in expanding their knowledge.

How are LEED and SBA complementary?

The SBA Program is approved as an education requirement for LEED Green Associates, in addition the SBA Program is approved for 100 hours of credential maintenance requirements for LEED AP’s. Many LEED AP’s take the SBA Program to expand their training. We encourage SBA students who intend to work on LEED buildings to go on and take their LEED exam.

Who are the Instructors of the SBA Program?

The SBA Program is taught by Guest Instructors who are local professionals working in the green building industry. They bring up-to-date information, experience and examples to the program. The Guest Instructors are from the local community, they bring in the local examples, personal experience and offer tours of buildings they have worked on. Getting to know the Guest Instructors is a great way to build your network of green professionals.

What if you are not already in the building or related industry?

We all live and work in a built environment, the program covers diverse approaches to sustainability in the built environment, and several people in the class have little or no actual professional building experience. The diverse backgrounds of the students promotes active conversations students often from other students as well as Instructors.

What kinds of organizations/companies are currently looking for people with SBA training or SBA Certification (CSBA)?

Any organization or company that is serious about “greening” their business or operations would recognize the knowledge gained from this program; Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Developers, Consultants, Municipalities, Large Corporations, Planning Commissions, Real Estate, and Environmental firms are all potential employers.

Are you pleased with the content of the SBA Program and its instructors? (Answered by a graduate)

Yes. The content was up to date, realistic, and well-presented. I found the instructors very personable, encouraging, inclusive, and passionate about their particular fields.

Do you feel you can hit the ground running in terms of applying the knowledge you’ve gained?(Answered by a graduate)

Yes. Is it immediately applicable? Yes, I am developing a waste management plan for a company I work with, advising on a conversion of existing buildings using green building principles and materials for another project, and facilitating a green renovating presentation.

What time commitment is required outside of class – to complete any reading or required homework for example? (Answered by a graduate)

The actual minimum time commitment for reading and team work could probably be accomplished quite easily – I put a lot into studying, writing, and the practicum project and feel that I have benefitted proportionately.