Why Should a Mechanical Engineer Consider the IGBC-AP Exam and What Are Its Benefits?
Green building, a rapidly growing field in India, presents a myriad of opportunities for professionals who wish to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development. Among the certifying bodies, the IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) Accredited Professional (AP) program stands out as a benchmark in certifying individuals who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement green building projects. In this article, we explore whether a mechanical engineer should take the IGBC-AP exam and the numerous benefits they can derive from it.
Emerging Field and Importance of IGBC-AP Qualification
The Indian construction industry is increasingly moving towards incorporating green building practices. According to the Indian Green Building Council, there are currently around 5,200 green building projects in the country, but the number of IGBC Accredited Professionals (APs) is significantly lower at just 3,600. This implies a critical shortage of qualified professionals able to drive green building projects to fruition.
Benefits of the IGBC-AP Exam for Mechanical Engineers
Enhanced Role within Project Teams
As a mechanical engineer with the IGBC-AP qualification, you can enhance your role within a project team. Unlike the traditional role of designing mechanical systems, this certification enables you to contribute more comprehensively to the green building project. It allows you to integrate sustainable practices, energy efficiency, and water conservation into the overall project planning and execution. This holistic approach makes your contribution more valuable to the project.
Career Advancement and Employability
The IGBC-AP certification can be a stepping stone for career advancement. By gaining the IGBC-AP designation, you become more employable to prospective employers. The certification is recognized across the industry, ensuring that you can compete with fellow professionals in the green building space. Furthermore, after gaining additional expertise and experience, you can offer green building consultancy services, which can open up further career opportunities.
Projected Career Opportunities
With the growing demand for green building projects, the field of IGBC-AP stands to offer a wealth of career opportunities. An IGBC-AP can work across various sectors including engineering firms, developer groups, consultant firms, and architecture firms. Additionally, the certification can help mechanical engineers transition into working with green building product industries such as manufacturers of green-rated cement, recycled steel, construction AAC blocks, and fly ash blocks. These industries are seeing significant growth as the market shifts towards more sustainable materials and practices.
Expertise in Building Modeling Software
The IGBC-AP qualification equips you with the necessary knowledge to work on building modeling software used for energy and lighting simulation. This skill set can help you provide accurate energy performance analyses and lighting designs, which are crucial for green building certifications. Building simulation tools like EnergyPlus and Radiance can be leveraged to optimize building performance and ensure compliance with green building standards.
Tremendous Growth Potential in Green Buildings
The green building sector is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by government initiatives, increasing environmental consciousness, and technological advancements. The National Green Building Scheme (NGBS) and other governmental policies are encouraging green building practices, further expanding the demand for IGBC-AP qualified professionals.
Conclusion
For a mechanical engineer looking to excel in the green building field, obtaining the IGBC-AP certification is not only beneficial but also essential. The certification enhances your role in project teams, improves your employability, and opens up a multitude of career opportunities. As the green building industry continues to grow, the IGBC-AP qualification is a significant step towards a successful and fulfilling career in sustainable construction.