Stories

(Cross-posted from USGBC.org with permission.)

USGBC is pleased to announce the launch of a new certificate program – the Designing for Greater Efficiency (DfGE) certificate – offered in partnership with International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. DfGE was designed and curated by IFC to meet the growing demand for skills in green architecture and designing for efficient and sustainable buildings, helping the workforce build capacity related to sustainability in the built environment. Continue reading this article to learn more about DfGE and get access to special pricing for early customers. 

About Designing for Greater Efficiency 

This certificate equips learners with the knowledge to design resource-efficient and eco-friendly buildings, enabling them to contribute to a low-carbon future for the building sector. DfGE covers the fundamentals of energy and resource efficiency measures in building design from a technical and commercial perspective, using case studies and examples to demonstrate efficient design practices in real-world applications.  

Learners who have complete the DfGE certificate hold the following competencies: 

• Development of critical thinking skills, quantitative skills, and design approaches 

• Conceptualization and integration of green features across multiple disciplines and building types 

• Understanding of strategies to reduce energy and water consumption in operations and embodied energy in materials using IFC’s EDGE building design software 

• Articulation of a compelling business case for sustainable design 

• Effective communication of design strategies and choices with clients and other building stakeholders, including owners, investors, and other design team members 

• Demonstration of knowledge about green design strategies and their relative cost-benefit implications 

DfGE is suitable for advanced students and working professionals in the architectural, structural, building services, building design, engineering, construction, and other building-related fields. This certificate can be a complement to LEED, EDGE, and other GBCI credentials or can be a user’s first step in the  workforce development journey.  

Certificate access & pricing 

The DfGE certificate is available as 16-hour on-demand course, consisting of a series of 7 modules on the USGBC website, and users must complete all courses in the series to earn the certificate. The DfGE series is available for direct purchase from the online course catalog and is not included in the subscription, but discounts are available for subscribers, members, and students.  

As a promotional offer to celebrate the launch, we are offering the first 200 course customers a $25 discount on the total certificate price between now and the end of July. To claim your discount, use the promo code DFGEIntroRate26 when completing your course purchase.  

The DfGE certificate is an excellent opportunity for students and professionals to hone their sustainable design and green building business skills, and advance in their careers. Learn more about Designing for Greater Efficiency on the IFC website and USGBC course page.