ILS Offers its First LEED Credentialed Class

A Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credential class was offered for the first time by the Office of Innovative Learning Solutions (ILS) at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS).

The Energy Management Institute (EMI), one of 13 programs in the ILS unit, debuted the LEED Green Associate credential in Fall 2024. Provided by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), this credential offers training in the world's most widely used green building rating system. 

EMI offered the seven-hour in-person class to a variety of city energy professionals on October 16. The course instructor, who works for Green Building Education Services, taught the LEED Rating System’s core concepts and strategies.

After the course, EMI worked with each learner to ensure they were registered for the exam, which was held for the class on October 30. A passing grade earns the professional credential.

“In New York City, almost two thirds of emissions come from buildings," said Erin Morrison-Sadaka, EMI senior program manager for training operations. "Investing in sustainability projects to counter emissions and bring us closer to net zero is a critical goal for the city. LEED-accredited professionals apply the LEED framework to their projects as a way to designate sustainability, efficiency, and cost-savings. This topic is the most in-demand topic by learners participating in the DCAS Energy Management Institute."

Genesis Osorio, energy project manager for the New York Public Library, was one of 20 participants in the class who now has the LEED credential.

"The Energy and Sustainability team at the library works to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency and climate resiliency across our branches to provide comfortable indoor environmental quality for patrons and staff and to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions," Osorio said. "This class was helpful for me to recognize ways that our projects can improve to better meet the needs of the community and further reduce any contributions to climate change all while maintaining a reasonable budget."

She added that LEED certifications for buildings demonstrate the effort and intentional design by contributing teams and professionals to provide a greener more sustainable built environment. "I am very pleased that it was offered and that I was able to attend the class."

Morrison-Sadaka said EMI will offer a follow-up to the class, the Advanced Professional for Operations and Maintenance (AP with O + M specialty), in March 2025.

"We’re thrilled to be able to offer a pathway for learners to obtain both their LEED Green Associate and LEED Advanced Professional accreditation," she said.

EMI partners with the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Division of Energy Management (DEM) to train New York City staff in energy management best practices and helps them develop the skills they need to optimize building performance. The program offers a broad range of trainings, certifications, and other technical support to city staff from diverse disciplines, including energy managers, energy auditors, building operators, engineers, and tradespeople.

About the Office of Innovative Learning Solutions

The Office of Innovative Learning Solutions (ILS) was established in 2006 by the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) with the belief that a great urban university should pay attention to the needs of the city. ILS’ mission is to enhance organizational effectiveness and elevate individual careers through the design and implementation of transformative learning programs. In FY24, the unit managed 14 programs in partnership with city, state, and non-profit organizations with a $48 million budget and trained more than 39,000 people.

About the CUNY School of Professional Studies

As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.

Press Contact
Prerna Dar
CUNY SPS Chief Marketing Officer
Prerna.dar@cuny.edu