University of California, Irvine Extension has announced the availability of a new 10-week online course titled, “LEED Construction Management.” The course was created to equip participants with an understanding of the concepts in sustainable construction and the documentation and submittal requirements for LEED compliance. With registration taking place now, instruction begins Monday, Jan. 10, 2011 and runs through March 20.

“This course offering continues UC Irvine Extension’s commitment to providing cutting edge learning and professional development for tomorrow’s sustainability leaders,” says Melanie Mitchell, assistant director of business, management, and legal programs at UC Irvine Extension. “Businesses that invest now in sustainability continuing education will gain a competitive advantage and a profound return on investment.”

According to the university, the “LEED Construction Management” course will provide students with the ability to explain the concept of sustainable construction, its importance and regulations required for businesses looking for leadership in this area. Topics covered will include the LEED Green Building Rating system and how to identify the construction credits required under the system, pre-construction feasibility reviews, and LEED contract language and green building certification processes. By the end of the course, participants will create a portfolio of documents to reference when submitting for LEED construction credits in the field.

Course instructor, Kenneth Howe, CPA, LEED AP, has been active in real estate, accounting and development for more than 20 years. He has developed, maintained and invested in numerous hotels, retail properties and housing projects―positioning him as a respected leader of the accounting, real estate and development communities in Orange County, Calif.

“Building owners who are investing in existing properties rather than building new projects have created demand for leadership in environmental and energy-efficient design because it translates into lower energy costs, reduced cost of ownership and utility rebates,” says Howe. “This easily accessible course will provide participants with the knowledge needed to successfully navigate LEED compliance for buildings and construction projects, increasing their value to employers.”

The course is an elective for the Light Construction and Development Management Certificate Program. To register for “LEED Construction Management,” visit the Web site here.