(June 25, 2008) - Earlier this month, four employees at Oak Contracting became LEED accredited professionals. Tony Kukowski, Oak Superintendent currently working on the new Bells Mill Elementary School in Montgomery County, was the first to receive the accreditation. Chris Marschhauser, Oak Project Manager overseeing Bells Mill Elementary School, Bill Moschler, Oak Project Manager overseeing the replacement of Linganore High School in Frederick County, and Dave Toth, Oak Superintendent at Linganore, quickly followed suit. Several more Oak employees are currently studying for the exam.
Several projects managed by Oak Contracting have been designed using LEED principles, however, none have been certified (mostly due to funding). Cresthaven Elementary School will be the first building constructed by Oak to receive LEED certification. That project is currently on schedule to bid later this year and start in January 2009.

The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) now manages the LEED Professional Accreditation program. LEED Professional Accreditation distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the LEED certification process. LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED Rating System. More than 43,000 people have earned the credential since the Professional Accreditation program was launched in 2001.

In 2008, administration of the Professional Accreditation program transitioned to the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). The Green Building Certification Institute, established with the support of the U.S. Green Building Council, handles exam development and delivery to allow for objective, balanced management of the credentialing program.