Recently, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and DC Water announced that 106 individuals completed training as well as testing requirements for certification in construction, inspection, and maintenance of green infrastructure (GI), a fast-growing approach to reduce stormwater pollution.
Over the past two years of the programme, more than 200 individuals have earned certifications under the National Green Infrastructure Certification Programme (NGICP). Cities that are expanding their GI certified workforce include Baltimore, Maryland, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States (U.S.).
The certification promotes a skilled green infrastructure workforce, streamlines the process of connecting qualified talent to in-demand jobs, supports community-based job creation in cities in the U.S., and establishes national standards for professionals seeking to work on green infrastructure projects.
By verifying a professional’s competency in and understanding of green infrastructure, certification increases their competitiveness in the job market. WEF plans to add more certification trainings and exams in 2018 to continue to grow the community of certified professionals.
Developed in partnership with DC Water, the NGICP is housed under WEF’s Stormwater Institute, a centre for excellence and innovation focused on stormwater runoff and wet weather issues.
Current NGICP partner organisations include the Boston Water and Sewer Commission Massachusetts, Kansas City Water Services Department Missouri, and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, Pennsylvania, among others.
“Green infrastructure has become a best management practice of choice for many communities around the country, and proper maintenance is an ongoing concern,” Sandra Ralston, chair of the Stormwater Institute Advisory Committee, said. “By cultivating a proficient green workforce, NGICP insures that green infrastructure continues to be an acceptable and viable stormwater management option.”
