NGICP®

National Green Infrastructure Certification Program™

The National Green Infrastructure Certification Program (NGICP) provides the base-level skill set needed for entry-level workers to properly construct, inspect and maintain Green Infrastructure (GI). Designed to meet international best practice standards, NGICP is a tool that can be used to meet a wide range of needs, including professional development for existing GI professionals and as part of a larger workforce development to provide candidates with the technical skills necessary to enter the green workforce and earn a livable wage.

Because the NGICP is designed to meet international best practice standards, the implementation of the program is done with impartiality and objectivity, ensuring that all applicants and certified individuals are treated fairly. The implementation of NGICP is governed by ByLaws and a Policy and Procedures Manual. NGICP is a new program that is growing and constantly evolving, therefore suggestions regarding how program implementation can be improved are always welcome.

IGICP

International Green Infrastructure Certification Program

The International Green Infrastructure Certification Program (IGICP) was established when NGICP went international in May 2019, and is interchangeable with the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program (NGICP) logo and acronym.

Benefits of NGICP® On Your Team

Green infrastructure has many benefits:

• Creates a more pleasant environment by creating “green” features (collections of trees, bushes, and plants) distributed throughout developed areas.
• Reduces the amount of dark surface available to collect and hold solar heat as well as creates new opportunities for trees and bushes to create shade; both of these reduce the “heat island effect” in cities and developed areas.
• Reduces the overall stormwater volume that is conveyed to local streams and rivers which reduces the overall risk of flooding and erosion.
• Provides treatment by filtering or removing stormwater pollutants such as heavy metals, nutrients, sediment, and pathogens from runoff, which helps protect local streams, and rivers.
• Temporarily stores stormwater locally to be used by trees and vegetation, reducing the amount of potable water that is needed for watering and irrigation.
• Creates pervious surfaces that absorb rain and runoff, allowing water to penetrate into the soil and replenish groundwater aquifers.
• Increases community green space which encourages more outdoor recreation.
• Contributes to urban renewal.
• Creates new long term green jobs to perform construction, inspection and maintenance of the GI.