Building, facility and construction leaders have an unprecedented new tool to bolster sustainability efforts and prioritize worker health thanks to another groundbreaking partnership between the United Soybean Board (USB) and the American Lung Association. Following the successful launch of the Biobased Certified Fleet Professional in 2022, the Lung Association unveils the Biobased Certified Facilities and Property Professional (BCPP)™ alongside USB at the 2024 New York Build Expo.
BCPP is a comprehensive online training program that educates professionals and technicians on the myriad benefits of biobased products, emphasizing their operational, health, safety, and environmental benefits. The course equips participants with a deep understanding of human and environmental health through reduced exposure to harsh chemicals and emissions produced through the use and production of petroleum-based products. Graduates gain insights into the diverse range of natural choices biobased facility and grounds products available, along with guidance on best practices for sustainable building construction and operation and biobased product procurement. There is no charge for the online course when using the passcode: USB23
Angela Tin, the National Senior Director for the Lung Association’s Clean Air Initiatives, expressed pride in the program’s comprehensive approach, saying, “The Lung Association is once again proud to partner with USB to offer this comprehensive training program that educates professionals on the operational, health, safety, and environmental benefits of biobased alternatives. Expanding our course offerings to benefit construction, building and facilities leaders is a natural next step given the positive response we received since launching our Biobased Certified Fleet Professional course. The Lung Association now offers both comprehensive training programs through Teachable.”
USB’s Innovation & Technology Priority Area Coordinator Susan Watkins, a Virginia soybean farmer, joined the Lung Association for the roll out of the BCPP at the annual New York Build Expo. “USB continues to partner with ALA to realize our vision of delivering sustainable soy solutions to every life, every day, and that includes the building and facilities community. I am extremely proud that farmers grow sustainable crops for both food and new uses, like many that are offered for building solutions. Not only does it increase our bottom line, but it also offers more sustainable buying options for professionals as well protects worker health and the environment.”
Prince George’s County’s Deputy Fleet Manager, Lydia Pearl Monroe, finds value in both Lung Association training modules. “We are excited to be a part of the American Lung Association’s Biobased Academy,” said Monroe, whose fleet will be among the first in the nation to take the certification course. “For a fleet like ours that goes the extra mile to deliver sustainable solutions in any way that we can, it creates a win-win situation. It promotes the operational and environmental benefits of biobased products for our facility as well as fleet.”
For further information or to register for courses, please visit BiobasedAcademy.org.
About the United Soybean Board (USB)
Because of the potential for biobased products to create new markets for soybeans, U.S. soybean farmers have invested millions of dollars to research, test and promote biobased products. Much of this work was done through the United Soybean Board, which is composed of 77 U.S. soybean farmers appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to invest soybean checkoff funds. As stipulated in the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services has oversight responsibilities for the soybean checkoff.
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy, and research. The Association’s Department of Clean Air Initiatives is dedicated to providing clean air for all. Learn more at https://www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors.