Source: Ray Yunk, 785-532-3584, yunk@k-state.edu
Photo available. Contact media@k-state.edu or 785-532-6415.
News release prepared by: Katie Mayes, 785-532-6415, kmayes@k-state.edu

Friday, July 10, 2009

K-STATE'S RAY YUNK FIRST UNIVERSITY FACULTY MEMBER TO EARN LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN CERTIFICATION IN BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

MANHATTAN -- Ray Yunk, associate professor of architectural engineering and construction science at Kansas State University, recently became the first university faculty member in the world to be certified as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional in building design and construction.

While there are more than 100,000 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professionals, Yunk said fewer than 20 have earned the building design and construction designation.

"Green buildings and sustainable design and construction have been a rapidly growing focus area of the industry over the last several years and it is an area that students get excited about," Yunk said. "This certification represents a continuation of the commitment that our faculty stay current in professional practice in order to bring the latest design and construction applications into the classroom."

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design professional credentialing program was developed to encourage green building professionals to maintain and advance their knowledge and expertise. The program provides three levels of excellence that distinguish practitioners with basic, advanced and extraordinary levels of knowledge.

The next generation of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards and certifications are being phased in throughout 2009. The new programs will include updated green building rating systems and enhanced credentialing requirements.

The certification earned by Yunk provides an advanced level standard for professionals participating in the design and construction phases of high-performance, healthful, durable, affordable, and environmentally sound commercial, institutional and high-rise residential buildings.

Yunk earned a bachelor's degree in architectural engineering and construction science from K-State in 1988, and then earned a master's degree in architectural engineering from K-State in 2004. He has been a licensed professional engineer since 1992 and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional since 2004.