Sticking to UN specified sustainability goals the teenager looks for a solution to deal with the current pandemic crisis.
Certain qualities in members of Gen-Z make them stand out. These include razor-sharp focus, the capacity to research as well as the guts to try something new.
The youngest ever in India to qualify the LEED Green Associate exam (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), a globally renowned sustainability credential, Zainab Bie, a 17-year-old student from Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, New Delhi fits the bill perfectly.
The daughter of a construction professional and supportive homemaker mother, Bie started working for the social cause since she was in class VII. “At that time, I saw many rag pickers. My dad explained about them and their forced profession at that time,” says Bie. This was followed by her participation in nukkad nataks based on social themes that sparked her interest in helping those in need.
In class IX Bie became in-charge of donation drives to help people affected by calamities as part of an NGO. At the same time, she became a peer educator. “As part of this NGO organised activity, I was the only one in IX class to become in charge of younger peers. One-on-one conversations helped them deal with life stress, and helped us grow,” says Bie.
In class X, her work towards creating awareness about social causes was recognised at the state level. “One student was selected from each school for their work as a leader. In this group, I was chosen to give a speech before Pranab Mukherjee, former President of India. It was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life,” she reveals.
Bie has been working on several issues including adverse impacts of noise pollution, not using single-use plastic and more, since she was in school.
At this time, she came to know about LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), a global green building rating system. A LEED credential denotes proficiency in today's sustainable design, construction and operations standards. The exam is being organised by US Green Building Council (USGBC), a global non-profit organisation in Washington since 2002. Bie knew this was the next step in her journey.
While the exam material cost around Rs 7000, the entrance fee is Rs 40,000. “I was awarded the Equity Scholarship Program for the exam by USGBC. This program encourages people, projects and organisations to incorporate equity into decision-making, policy and governance, and implementation,” explains Bie.
During her preparation, Bie interacted with current and former LEED exam-takers. “Most were in their mid-career or late-college life. It was daunting, but I did not back down,” she says.
Around 1500 people from India participated in the exam. “COVID-19 did not pose an issue, as this exam is conducted as an online, proctored exam even in the regular course. It was an experience to see the exam proctor check my room, computer and every other item that would be used during the exam,” says Bie, who is planning on pursuing her major in Economics, with a focus on Circular Economy to become a Sustainability Excellence Associate.
Within an hour after completing the extremely tough paper, Bie was informed that she had become the youngest Indian to clear and qualify in the LEED Credential exam. “This exam is a gateway to sustainability. In my aim to work towards an economy that is basically regenerative, LEED has helped me get credibility as a source who understands sustainability,” she says.
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