GREENleaders Certified Sustainability Training at San Francisco Design Center

This industry first, 6-hour exam course was developed in conjunction with the Sustainable Furnishings Council, the #1 organization with board members including ranking staff of World Wildlife Fund, Rainforest Alliance, and one of the co-founders of the USGBC. This is the most comprehensive green furnishings training program available, providing designers with the knowledge and credentials to differentiate themselves as experts in sustainability.  Over 400 graduates to date.  Written by an accredited LEED-CI/AP.  Lunch included.  (6 ceu)  Contact:  919-967-1137 or admin@sustainablefurnishings.org.

Unit 1 - The Case For Sustainability

This module provides grounding in the environmental issues related to home furnishings, including the factual basis for climate change, indoor air quality, toxic waste, and water conservation. Source documents are public records such as the U.N. IPCC 4th Assessment Report and the U.S. EPA, translated from technical jargon into easily understood concepts with common references all explicitly linked to the furnishings industry.

Unit 2 - Knowing Green Consumers

This module provides insight into the current thinking of consumers based on a national survey  among those who have purchased home furnishings recently. Topics include preferred terminology, hot button issues, level of concerns, purchase interest, price sensitivity, and perceived obstacles. Learn why consumers do what they do, and what you need to know to be effective with your marketing and sales efforts.

Unit 3 - Sourcing Green Products

This module provides detailed descriptions of the differences between available options in the components that go into home furnishings, including certified wood, rapid renewables, commercial harvests, recycled/recyclable content, low VOC finishes, bio hybrid cushioning, vegetable-tanned leathers and organic textiles. Learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how each option relates to different environmental concerns.

Unit 4 - Selling Green Solutions

This module answers the questions most commonly asked by customers in simple, compelling ways. What’s the difference between green and sustainable? Who’s interested, and when will they start asking for it? How much are they willing to pay? What does it say about your regular products? Why should you buy now, and can it make a difference? Learn how to initiate, advance and close a green sale among ordinary customers.

Unit 5 - Designing Green Interiors

This module covers other aspects of interior design not specifically treated in other modules, including wall paint, window treatments, flooring, carpeting and samples. Learn how to make educated recommendations on these other important elements in a commercial space or in the home, whether you are specifically tasked with that or not.

Unit 6 - Operating Green Showrooms

This module provides recommendations on ways of reducing expense and carbon footprints in running a commercial space, with many of the ideas relevant to residential settings as well. Learn tips and tricks for energy conservation, lighting, cooling, and recycling, with exact methods of calculating cost and carbon savings.