Through impactful partnerships, the Boulder Chamber and Workforce Boulder County are eyeing future opportunities in construction and trade.
Earlier this spring, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) launched LEED v5, the latest version of its flagship LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building program. LEED v5 builds on the 25-year legacy and global impact of LEED, updating and strengthening the most widely recognized, influential sustainability standard for the building industry while providing user-friendly tools for building owners and teams to pursue certification through enhanced technology updates.
What does LEED v5 entail?
- A new rating system incentivizing projects that provide job training opportunities in sustainability and green construction for underrepresented groups
- Community engagement promoting community spaces and supporting local businesses
- Improved indoor air quality and occupant comfort, creating healthier working environments
- Rewards for projects that source materials from manufacturers with strong worker protections, encouraging fair labor practices within the supply chain.
How will this impact Workforce?
Projects that achieve LEED v5 certification are likely to be designed and constructed in ways that benefit the local workforce through equitable practices, enhanced health and well-being, and opportunities for workforce development.
Including:
- Increased demand for Green building expertise
- Focus on worker well-being and safety
- New skill development and training opportunities
- Increased employee satisfaction and retention
Workforce Boulder County (WfBC) proudly supports the new Equitable Construction credits introduced in LEED v5. These credits offer up to two points for project teams that invest in workforce development through hiring local talent, apprenticeship programs, and life-skills training for construction workers.
WfBC is champion of equitable workforce development in the building industry. We are committed to helping contractors, architects, and developers meet these new standards while building stronger, more inclusive job pathways across Boulder’s construction sector.
Are you interested in learning more?
Use the following link to show your interest in future programs.