Lawyer Accredited by Green Building Certification Institute
Philadelphia, Pa. – October 9, 2008 (LAWFUEL) – Hannah Dowd McPhelin, an attorney in Pepper Hamilton LLP’s Philadelphia office, has been qualified as a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) by the Green Building Certification Institute. The LEED AP program was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in conjunction with its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating Systems.
In becoming a LEED AP, Ms. McPhelin joins a small group of attorneys – estimated to be fewer than 65 nationwide – who understand the significance of “green” building trends to the future of the building industry and have successfully sought accreditation in green building standards.
In obtaining her accreditation, Ms. McPhelin focused on LEED-NC, the rating system developed for new construction and major renovations that is designed to guide and distinguish high-performance commercial and institutional projects, including office buildings, high-rise residential buildings, government buildings, recreational facilities, manufacturing plants and laboratories.
Ms. McPhelin concentrates her practice on real estate matters and other business transactions, including the acquisition and sale of commercial real estate properties and leasing of office, retail and industrial properties, representing both landlords and tenants. She is a member of Pepper Hamilton’s Real Estate Practice Group and the firm’s Sustainability and Climate Change Team.
She is the second Pepper Hamilton lawyer to become a LEED AP. Vicki R. Harding, a partner in the firm’s Detroit office, was the first Michigan-based attorney to achieve that designation. In obtaining her accreditation, Ms. Harding focused on LEED-CI, the rating system developed for tenants who want to obtain LEED certification of their leased premises.
The LEED Green Building Rating System promotes global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices by creating and implementing universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.
LEED professional accreditation distinguishes professionals with the knowledge and skills to facilitate the integrated design process and streamline LEED certification. LEED APs have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED Rating System.
While more than 43,000 people have become LEED APs since the U.S. Green Building Council launched the professional accreditation program in 2001, based on the Green Building Certification Institute’s directory, it is estimated that fewer than 65 are attorneys.
More information about the U.S. Green Building Council and LEED rating systems is available at www.usgbc.org/leed.
