NCARB requires architects who are enrolled in the Intern Development Program (IDP) to volunteer their time for a total of 10 units of training which equal 80 hours of service.

http://www.ncarb.org/idp/idpdescrip.html

Greendatabase.org gives interns the opportunity to provide material research that is vital for the architectural community. Interns will find that voluntary participation in professional and community activities enhances their professional development. Such activities will increase their understanding of the people and forces that shape the society, as well as augment their professional knowledge and skills.

The material research undertaken by the interns would be available on greendatabase.org for the general public. Research opportunities range from identifying green products and issues to writing issues papers (white papers) on areas of interest.

For more information on IDP and mentoring essentials for IDP supervisors and mentors see the link below. http://www.aia.org/SiteObjects/files/Mentor%20training%20workbook_final.pdf

For information on the entire IDP program see http://www.aia.org/SiteObjects/files/idp_mentoring_guidelines.pdf

There are two helpful guides that the intern can find helpful in finding a mentor and what to expect from one’s mentor.  Both documents will help plan, define, communicate and map out the basics and the purpose of the program as well as the role of the mentor and the mentee.  This purpose of this mentoring program is to help foster a deeper degree of the understanding of the profession and provide the intern with assistance in understanding the “design and technical aspects” of the profession.

Greendatabase.org can provide a protégé with this plus provide them with a environmental awareness of their professional and having access to fulfill their community service IDP credits by researching “Green Sustainable Community Design”.