TG Gallagher Manager is 3rd LEED Accredited Professional
Date: March 5, 2009
Cambridge, MA – Shawn Guertin, Director of Operations at Thomas G. Gallagher, Inc. has become the third manager at the company to earn certification as a LEED Accredited Professional, joining CEO Brian Potter and Senior Project Manager Mike Betts.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings are well-known standards for sustainable green building and development practices, which are increasingly being followed by builders. “Among our major construction projects, I’d say that approximately 50% of them are going for LEED certification,” says Guertin.
To achieve his Accredited Professional rating, Guertin had to master the details of the 76 prerequisites and credits that contribute points to a LEED rating, and then pass a computerized exam. “You need to know and understand the concept, the process, what the intent is of LEED certification, and then of course you need to understand how to obtain the credits,” he says.
The LEED Green Building Rating Systems™ have been developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, with committees of experts from diverse backgrounds. Different criteria apply to a range of project types, including new construction, existing buildings, commercial interiors, schools and healthcare.
“In new construction, as mechanical contractors we’re especially involved in the categories of Energy and Atmosphere – energy conservation – Indoor Air Quality, the ventilation systems,” says Guertin. “We’re also involved in Water Efficiency, such as low flow fixtures for water use reduction, and rainwater harvest systems.”
LEED points are awarded according to specific, measurable criteria, and verified by independent third parties. Depending on the points earned, a building may be Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum. TG Gallagher has completed or is working on more than 30 LEED-certified projects.
According to Guertin, TG Gallagher was quick to recognize the importance of LEED certification when it was introduced. “We jumped on the concept relatively early in the game. We saw that it was something that wasn’t going to go away, and so decided we better learn about it.”
“Being a LEED Accredited Professional allows me to bring real value to the table,” he adds. “I don’t have to wait for the general contractor to tell me what to do, and I can bring new, fresh ideas for meeting our objectives.”
