GREENleaders Certified Sustainability Training at San Francisco Design Center

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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.  (.6CEUs)  Contact:  252-368-1098 or admin@sustainablefurnishings.org.

Only $299 for .6 CEUs!!

Unit 1 - The Case For Sustainability: This module provides grounding in the environmental issues related to home furnishings, including climate change, indoor air quality, toxic waste, and water conservation. Source documents are public records such as the U.N. IPCC 5th 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 - The Mind of the Consumer: 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-I: 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, and recycled/recyclable content. Learn what to look for , what to avoid, and how each option relates to different environmental concerns.

Unit 4 - Sourcing Green Products-II: This module covers more on materials and components, with a focus on reduction of energy use. Discussion covers bio hybrid cushioning, low VOC finishes, vegetable-tanned leathers and organic textiles.  Learn to make educated recommendations on these other important elements in a commercial space or in the home.

Unit 5 - Designing Green Interiors: This module provides recommendations on ways of reducing expense and environmental footprint 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, as well as best choices in wall paint, window treatments, flooring, and carpeting.

Unit 6 - 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.