1.    What are the BEEnow Certification levels?

The total number of points achievable is 400 points, with each certification level defined by the number of points achieved after all information is input. These levels are determined in the following manner:

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•      Implementing - 200 to 250 points*

•      Integrating - 251 to 300 points*

•      Transforming - 301 to 350 points*

•      Exemplifying - 351 to 400 points*

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*Minimum thresholds for certification include achieving half of all points in both the Academic (128 points) and Institutional (72 points) categories. If half of all points for each category are not achieved, certification will not be possible.

 

2.    When will a BEEnow Certification need to be renewed?

A BEEnow Certification is valid for 5 years before needing to be renewed. A Maintenance Report must be submitted every 5 years following the date of certification. The purpose of the report is to remind the school of its obligations regarding certification. The report will explain what points are no longer in effect and what new efforts the school is making in preparing students to have the motivation, knowledge, and skills necessary to design very low-energy buildings. 

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3.    What is the typical timeframe after document submission for evaluation to be completed? 

The evaluation will occur within one month of the date that the school is informed that BEEnow has received all the documentation. 

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4.    If a school does not agree with the evaluation of a point or points, can they appeal?

If a school is not satisfied with the second evaluation of any documentation, it can appeal by filling out Form D and submitting it with the required appeal fee. A team of three people will be formed (faculty, practitioner, and member of BEEnow) to consider the school’s appeal. The decision of the appeal team is binding. In most cases, it will be in the school’s interest to pursue different points rather than make an appeal on one specific point since there are many to choose from.

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5.    What are the fees associated with a BEEnow Certification? 

Fees for BEEnow Certification include the following:

1. Initial Application - $500

2. Document Evaluation Fee - $1,500

3. Appeals Fee - $60 / credit*

4. Renewal Fee - $0

5. Upgrade Fee = $400

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* Up to 10% of the credits can be reevaluated at no cost. There will be a $60 fee for each credit reviewed above the 10% threshold.

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