A credential intended to help facility professionals play a leading role in creating, managing, and operating sustainable buildings is available through the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).

Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP) is an assessment-based certificate program open to all facility-management and like-minded professionals with an interest in sustainable practices.

The designation is earned through the SFP Credential Program, which offers training in three areas: Strategy and Alignment for Sustainable Facility Management, Managing Sustainable Facilities, and Operating Sustainable Facilities. Together, the courses cover the eight major categories of sustainability defined by IFMA: energy, water, materials and resources, workplace management, indoor environmental quality, quality of services, waste, and site impact.

Training is available in a self-study or, beginning in summer 2011, an instructor-led classroom format.

SFP is a three-year certificate; designees are required to take a reassessment course every third year to keep their skills current.

For more information on the SFP credential, click here.