Regenerative Professional Accreditation

Green Built Alliance’s Regenerative Professional Accreditation program provides the education and framework for a deep and evolving competency in advanced green-building best practices.

The RPA accreditation is available to industry professionals who complete a series of designated courses focused around regenerative building practices within the nonprofit’s growing catalog of continuing-education offerings.

Through this accreditation program, individuals can complete their annual continuing-education requirements, while also attaining a designation that helps distinguish them to clients as a professional who is committed to continually advancing their knowledge and skill set along with the evolving field of green building.

Our intention is that this class series and accreditation will increase the number of building professionals engaged in regenerative building as well as boost participation in our Green Built Home’s Regenerative Certification for new residential construction.

Regenerative Professional Accreditation Curriculum Overview

Required Courses

Accreditation will be awarded after individuals complete eight hours of curriculum – like the two-hour class listed below. These classes will change from year to year, as listed on our Continuing Education page that is published annually, and we will note which classes are for the Regenerative Professional Accreditation.

DOE Net-Zero Energy Ready Homes and Beyond

View our past/current Class Listings or sign up below to get notified when we publish them.

View Class Listings

Want to Get Notified?

Additional Electives for Ongoing Education

Individuals remain current by completing at least one two-hour elective annually in each subsequent year following their initial accreditation. Below are also examples of classes that we offer for this elective.

Edible and native landscaping
Radon-resistant construction
Site design
Reducing construction waste
Biophilic design (green roofs, outdoor living areas, indoor living walls, natural lighting, etc.)
Green materials (low embodied energy, recycled content, natural, salvaged, etc.)
Energy-efficient wall systems
New and improved HVAC and ventilation strategies
Home automation and energy monitoring strategies
Passive solar design
Electric vehicle charging
Universal design
Resilient design (firewise community development, bear prevention strategies, etc.)

Regenerative Professional Accreditation FAQs

What is regenerative design?

Regenerative buildings are designed and built so they are integrated to have a net-positive impact on the natural environment around them. For example, a home with regenerative elements may produce more energy than it uses; capture and treat water onsite; incorporate biophilic design to enhance human connection with the natural world; or prioritize site restoration and native plantings or food production. Check out our Green Built Home’s Regenerative Certification for new residential construction.

Through a focus on regenerative design, our professional accreditation evolves beyond its previous approach of educating about ways to make homes “less bad” for homeowners and the environment, to advocate for building techniques which actually improve the world around them.

What costs are associated with the RPA program?

The only costs associated with accreditation are the registration fees for the required classes. Check out Continuing Education page for updated pricing and discounts offered.

How are my credit hours tracked?

When you register online for a Green Built Alliance class, there will be a field in which you can indicate whether you are qualifying for RPA credit hours.

Can I count credit hours from Green Built Alliance classes in the past?

Yes, you can submit the names and dates of classes you have taken in the past for review to determine whether they are compatible to meet requirements for any of the core four courses. Email us at homes@greenbuilt.org.

How long does it take to complete the RPA program?

The RPA can be obtained in less than one year, but you can take as long as needed. Green Built Alliance offers the core four required courses as well as numerous electives each year.

What documentation do I receive after completing the RPA program?

Upon completion of the RPA program, participants will receive a certificate along with the RPA logo, which can be used on marketing material. Participants who have completed the program will also be listed on Green Built Alliance’s website.