Commonground University's Fall Semester: Environmentally Themed Courses

Here are a couple of courses from commonground's last 2011 session beginning on November 7th.

ASTM E1527 Online Course
Learn why the ASTM Environmental Site Assessment Standard Practices for the Phase I Site Assessment was developed, how to use the standard, and how the standard affects the way you do business. 3 week, 15-20 hour course. For more information click here.

Environmental Due Diligence: Principles & Practice
The Environmental Due Diligence: Principles & Practices online training course offers the must know information prior to conducting any type of environmental due diligence including Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), Database Reviews, and Desktop Reviews. For more information click here.

For groups of 15 or more email Lauren (lrosencranz@edrnet.com) for private courses and special pricing.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

Video: Sustainable Supply Chain Course: IOM 599

This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the sustainability challenges and opportunities facing supply chains today. The course examines some of the factors that are contributing to the adoption of sustainability strategies, such as legislations that are penalizing negative environmental and social impacts, and society's expectations of business in terms of health, human rights, and the environment.

The supply chains today cannot be concerned only with creating shareholder value; their performance is also measured in terms of social, environmental and economic impact. The main topics covered in the course are sustainability concepts and frameworks, environmental legislation, sustainable design of products, renewable energy, closed-loop supply chains, facilities, locations, and transportation decisions, supplier management, and strategic sustainability implementation. The class format includes lectures, case discussions, guest speakers, and movie clips.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Report from The Green Economy Action Roadshow

The Green Economy Action Roadshow took place on September 9 and 10, 2011, at Moraine Valley Community College, in Palos Hills, Illinois. This green event gave participants the opportunity to meet with businesses, public agencies and experts involved in the Green Economy. Presented by The Delta Institute and Mindful Metropolis, the Green Economy Action Roadshow is a two-day event designed to connect, transform and empower green business, government and lifestyles. The event is focused on helping people to find partners and other resources to help grow with the Green Economy.

During the event participants met stakeholders and learned about what communities, municipalities and businesses are and can be doing in the Green Economy. Participants also heard about emerging opportunities in the Green Economy and they had access to information and resources as well as developing relationships and building local green supply chains

The first day of the conference participants learned how to engage the green Economy to create business opportunities they also learned about supply chains, carbon, financing, positioning and marketing. There were networking opportunities and opportunities to review ideas with industry experts.

On Friday September 9th, there was a session titled "Sustainability and the Supply Chain," presented by Ryan Anderson. This session looked at how businesses up and down the supply chain are reducing energy use and carbon emissions and meet other sustainability performance requirements in order to save money and remain competitive.

Another session was entitled "Green Certifications: What Do They Mean, Who Needs Them?" This session was presented by Abby Corso and Doug Widener, Executive Director, U.S. Geen Building Council- Illinois Chapter. There are hundreds of environmental certifications available, and many businesses wonder which ones, if any, to adopt. What should buyers be looking for and how do they decide? When does it make sense to certify, and which certifications hold the most weight?

In a session titled "Energy Efficiency and Your Operation" presenters Kevin Dick and Meena Beyers showed how even a modest investment in energy efficiency can produce a substantial payback and found out about incentives that make it affordable for a limited time.

At the session "Talking Dollars and Sense about Sustainability," presenters Abby Corso and Jon Levey, reviews the challenges of finding the resources to invest in sustainability. This session explored the many sources of funding for sustainability initiatives, from loans, to grants, to tax incentives and other creative methods to support implementation.

On the second day of the event there was a green consumer exhibition. This included consumer workshops and demonstrations on green purchasing, energy efficiency/home weatherization, deconstruction/reuse, sustainable/ local food, alternative transportation, and more. There were also opportunities to meet with experts on the above topics.

On Saturday September 10th the session "Energy: The Next Generation" reviewed the winners and the losers in the future energy marketplace and the role of wind, solar, geothermal and other energy alternatives. Presenters:

The workshop, "From Costly to Cozy: Saving Money and Energy at Home" by presenters: Vanessa Roanhorse and Cheryl Pomeroy, reviewed tax credits and subsidies as they relate to home weatherization their homes. This session explained how weatherization can improve comfort and reduce the cost of home-ownership, and a healthier home.

The workshop "Electronics and the Waste Stream" reviewed e-waste as one of the fastest growing categories of pollution. The workshop explained how to safely dispose of electronic devices, including how they may be upgraded or refurbished for reuse or donation.

The final workshop was titled, "Real Green Careers and How to Train for Them," it was presented by Kindy Kruller and Eda Schrimple. This workshop reviewed how the green economy is generating real jobs in many different industries, including clean energy, waste and water management, green building and other emerging areas. The workshop also explored where to find the training to prepare for a green career.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved

Green Training Modules From Green Education Online

Green Education Online provides green educational modules for the adult learner. Here are 21 green training modules:

Green Cleaning Specialist: This module is for the student who wants to focus on a career in the green cleaning industry. A review of green cleaning techniques and practices for business and residential applications or for the homeowner as well. Upon passing the final exam, a certificate of completion will be issued.
Duration: 6 hours
Cost: $299.00

Green Germ Control Specialist: This module provides a Green approach to sanitization methods. The continued impact of MRSA, H1N1, and more that 30 contagious diseases requires a knowledge of how to address this concerns from a cleaning point of view as the first line of defense. Upon completion of the course, the student will receive a certificate of completion.
Duration: 4 Hours
Cost: $149.00

Green Building for Health Care Professionals: Cost: This module delivers information on the impact of green building cleaning practices and the benefits of recycling, renewable energy and waste management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hospitals and nursing facilities are among the most hazardous work environments. Upon passing the final exam students will receive the GCHCP-GL, a Level One Green Certified Health Care Professional, with the Green Leadership Certification.
Duration: 8 hours
Cost: $399.00

Green Building for Insurance Professionals: This module yet easily is packed with information and links. This course offers an in depth view of green building and what the future will hold for insuring these new types of building systems. We review the importance of renewable energy, commissioning and accountability and how green building materials impact the insurance industry. Upon passing the final exam, insurance industry professionals will receive the GCIP-GL, a Level One, Green Certified Insurance Professional, with the Green Leadership Certification.
Cost: $149.00
Duration: 4 hours

Green Handyman and Weatherization Specialist: This course is for those in construction trades. It provides a basic introduction to making a home Greener, more efficient or sustainable, and reducing the cost of home operation. Some experience with basic construction, simple carpentry skills, and some hands‐on practice in a variety of home improvement items will be an advantage. Knowing how to use a caulking gun, install insulation, and refit a thermostat are simple skills that we anticipate are not new to the student. Upon completion of the course, the student will receive a certificate of completion.
Cost: Cost: $299.00
Duration: 6 hours

Green Landscaping: This course module is designed for the professional landscaper or caring homeowner to teach how to reinvent the way traditional landscaping has been done. Most landscaping processes are anti-green, but this course provides tremendous insight into lawn care, weed control, fertilizer, and irrigation. Special topics covered in this course include prairie reversion, Green roofs, and phyto-remediation offering tremendous insight into the future of landscaping. Upon completion of the course, the student will receive a certificate of completion.
Cost: $149.00
Duration: 4 hours

CSR- Corporate Social Responsibility/Green Business Practices: This module discusses corporate social responsibility. We review green business concepts such as recycling, sustainability and we offer information on renewable energy and a guide for developing a business energy plan. Upon passing the final exam, students will receive the GCBL-GL, a Level One Green Certified Business Leader®, with the Green Leadership Certification.
Cost: $149.00
Duration: 4 hours

Green Government Leader: This module includes a step-by-step guide for developing an energy plan and define a government’s commitment to become more socially responsible. An overview of green fleet management, renewable energy and resources will be defined. Upon passing the final exam, students will receive the GCGL-GL, a Level One Green Certified Government Leader, with the Green Leadership Certification.
Cost: $149.00
Duration: 4 hours

Green Certified Home Inspector: This module introduces the home inspector to green building, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Suggestions are offered on what the home inspector can do to assist homeowners and homebuyers in making informed decisions on future green renovations. Upon passing the final exam, licensed home inspectors will receive the GCHI-GL, a Level One Green Certified Home Inspector, with the Green Leadership Certification.
Cost: $149.00
Duration: 4 hours

Green Building for Mortgage Professionals- Level One Certification: This module offers an overview of green building systems and energy financing products that lenders, loan officers, and underwriters need to understand to assist a homeowner to become more energy efficient. A review of FHA, VA, FANNIE AND FREDDIE guidelines, limitations and ratios are offered. Upon passing the final exam licensed professionals will receive the GCMP-GL, a Level One Green Certified Mortgage Professional, with the Green Leadership Certification.
Cost: $149.00
Duration: 4 hours

Green Building for Real Estate Professionals- Level One Certification: ARELLO approved content, this module offers real estate professionals who want to gain insight on the proper way to guide clients as they begin to show interest in these new types of renovations. Energy ratings, renewable energy, energy mortgage concepts and green certification process are discussed. Upon passing the final exam, students will receive a logo for marketing and the GCREP-GL, a Level One Green Certified Real Estate Professional, with the Green Leadership Certification.
Cost: $149.00
Duration: 4 hours

Waste Management Coordinator: This module offers information on how to develop recycling programs within a company or government entity to initiate and monitor performance. They will be able to supervise waste management efforts,learn about sustainability and the basics of renewable energy. Upon passing the final exam, the student will receive a Waste Management Coordinator certificate of completion at the end of the class.
Cost: $299.00
Duration: 6 hours

Sustainability Planning Specialist: This course for professional development addresses the importance of social responsibility and developing an internal process to monitor organizational sustainability issues. The course guides the student in how to assist a company in developing a plan to have a more sustainable approach in areas such as renewable energy, waste stream management and green building practices, Upon passing the final exam, the student will receive a Sustainability Planning Specialist certificate of completion.
Cost: $299.00
Duration: 6 hours

Certified Sustainability Officer: This course prepares the student for a career within a company or government entity. The course will teach techniques to develop and monitor energy programs and energy consumption. They will be able to supervise waste management efforts. Upon completing a case study/lab project and then passing the final exam, the student will receive an actual national certification from the Green Business League.
Cost: $1595.00
Duration: 35 hours

Introduction to Waste Management Concepts:Businesses in all industries will benefit from the guidance in this course. The student will be introduced to the concepts in waste management and the possibility of the production of revenue streams.
Cost: $69.95

Green Government Leadership and Sustainability: A course for all in the government arena to understand how to organize for a leadership role in their community, Designed for all levels to understand the need for an energy plan, green fleet management and government’s role in the green arena.
Cost: $69.95

Introduction to Energy Efficient Mortgages: This module is a review of green building basics and a look into the energy financing products available for lenders. We define a lenders role and guidelines for loan processing to develop the creation of a new revenue stream.
Cost: $69.95

Understanding Social Responsibility and Green Building for Lenders: This course offers insight into the world of green building and the responsibility the lending profession has in this day and age. We define what green building is and the green rating certification process. Information is offered on the importance of corporate social responsibility, its definition and lender positioning in this arena.
Cost: $69.95

Introduction to Sustainability Planning: A course for any student who wishes to introduce concepts to begin to implement sustainability into a company's business model. We define sustainability principles and offer an actual plan to begin the process of implementation. Upon passing a final exam, a certificate of completion is offered.
Cost: $69.95

Company Branding and Positioning in the Green Economy: This module reviews corporate social responsibility concepts and discusses how to conduct outreach, the power of green purchasing, energy plan design and the importance of green cleaning policies. Understanding these principles will help develop your company’s direction for branding that will have a positive effect on your stakeholders.
Cost: $69.95

Waste Management for the Health Care Industry: This module is for all levels of management and for employees who work in a health care facility. Health care facilities are among the most hazardous work environments and they produce tons of waste per year. Through a review of case studies, the student will understand the possibility of additional revenue streams while producing a healthier indoor environment.
Cost: $69.95

For more information visit the Green Education Online or contact admin@greeneducationonline.com

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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