After Two Successful Years of Partnership, ISSP Transfers Delivery of ISSP Sustainability Associate & ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional Credentials to GBCI

21 November 2019

Portland, OR: The International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) today announced that Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the premier organization independently recognizing excellence in green business practice and performance, will now be delivering its global sustainability professional credentialing program. Over the past two years, these strategic partners have collaborated on capacity building and recognition for sustainability professionals worldwide through rigorous professional credentialing. The ISSP Sustainability Associate (ISSP-SA) and the ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional (ISSP-CSP), both established by the ISSP, will now join LEED AP and other credentialing frameworks operated by GBCI. ISSP will continue providing professional development services aligned to the ISSP credentials, while defining the body of knowledge that updates those credentials.



“Credentialing is about supporting those committed to sustainability with the skills and knowledge they need to help advance green business practices around the world,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, GBCI and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). “The ISSP credentials are a critical part of that strategy and ensure GBCI’s rigorous standards reflect the latest practices and continue to help us work toward our goal of a more sustainable future for all.” 

“At a time when leadership on sustainability and climate change has never been more needed, we’re extremely proud to have 500+ practitioners whose professional competence is recognized by the ISSP credentials,“ said Fabian Sack, ISSP-CSP, president of ISSP’s Governing Board. “This evolution of our partnership with GBCI, combined with USGBC’s significant reach and resources, are now what’s required to scale the program and give it the standing enjoyed by LEED AP.”

Through its online platform and live events, ISSP convenes the largest global community of sustainability professionals. The ISSP post nominal credentials recognize individuals with the demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to work in the field of sustainability in every industry and region. ISSP-SA is designed for emerging sustainability professionals, including students, recent graduates or professionals looking to incorporate fundamental sustainability concepts and practices into their skill set. ISSP-CSP designates individuals who have extensive experience in sustainability and who demonstrate excellence in advanced areas of professional practice. Each credential is valid for two years and requires ongoing professional development. Credential holders and those in the process of earning their credential will be notified directly should access to certain portals be affected or renewal requirements updated. Any questions can be directed to isspcredentials@gbci.org or obtained at http://www.gbci.org/issp.

About ISSP

The International Society of Sustainability Professionals is the world’s leading professional association of sustainability practitioners. A member-driven organization, ISSP moves the sustainability profession forward by empowering each other and defining professional excellence. ISSP launched the Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) and Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP) credentials (formerly the ISSP Sustainability Associate and ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional credentials) in 2016 to define and recognize competency in the field of sustainability. ISSP has since partnered with GBCI, which formally acquired the credentials in 2019, to enhance, scale and promote the credentials in order to drive positive environmental, social and economic outcomes in organizations and communities worldwide.