U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

08/28/2023

Hosted by Verdical Group at the Los Angeles Convention Center on 9/13 - 9/14, the Net Zero Conference is a world-renowned event dedicated to , , , , , and . Visit netzeroconference.com to register or learn more. We hope to see you there!

08/24/2023

By advancing green infrastructure policy, we can protect ecosystems and improve efficiency in the built environment. Discover how government entities address urban heat areas through the Sustainable SITES Initiative .

SITES guides landscape design to create green urban spaces.

08/24/2023

From the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture to the U Street Corridor, you can explore Washington, DC's history and culture when you attend the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo next month. Learn more about Greenbuild and the city's rich culture. https://bit.ly/3qK1chr

Experience the city's vibrant culture, music, food and sports.

08/24/2023

Join the Center for Green Schools in Gold Santa Fe, New Mexico, for the 2024 Green Schools Conference!

The three-day event includes education sessions and more.

08/21/2023

Aloha - Many have inquired about updates and how to support relief efforts on Maui. After meeting with folks from our USGBC Hawai'i Community, we have decided to postpone the Build and Buy Green Hawaii Conference we had been planning to host on Maui November 2nd, and are now looking at alternate dates in early 2024. While we are not supporting immediate disaster relief on Maui, we will be looking at ways to support local rebuilding efforts and workforce training in the long run.

We have compiled a short list of local organization that are offering immediate relief, on the ground support, and resources for those of you looking to make a financial donation. Please feel free to let us know in the comments if you have donated, tag the organization, and share this post or these links in your networks and local communities:

Council of Native Hawaiian Advancement, Alaka'ina and Kakoʻo Haleākalā: https://hubs.la/Q01_Jcl40
Hawaiʻi Community Foundation Maui Strong Disaster Relief: https://hubs.la/Q01_J4Y70
Maui Food Bank: https://hubs.la/Q01_JhV60
Maui Habitat for Humanity: https://hubs.la/Q01_Jkqx0
Maui Humane Society: https://hubs.la/Q01_J4qt0
Maui Red Cross (Indicate Local Red Cross): https://hubs.la/Q01_Jh0Y0
Maui Salvation Army: https://hubs.la/Q01_JgKh0

For those looking to join, volunteer, or sponsor the local USGBC Hawai'i Community, please visit us at https://hubs.la/Q01_J5Ny0. We are currently recruiting for our Market Leadership Advisory Board in Hawai'i and mainland communities if you are a member and want to get more involved https://hubs.la/Q01_J6qz0

If you have questions or would like to discuss ideas, please contact Stephanie Gabriel @ [email protected] or schedule a 15 minute meeting at https://hubs.la/Q01_J7bg0.

Mahalo
Stephanie Gabriel
USGBC Market Transformation and Development Regional Director, Pacific

USGBC Hawai'i Community Facebook: https://hubs.la/Q01_J9x30
USGBC Pacific Region LinkedIn: https://hubs.la/Q01_J9kZ0

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

08/21/2023

USGBC continues to support state and local legislation advancing building performance standards to address goals. Learn more and explore the legislation we're actively supporting. https://bit.ly/3qFFGdG

USGBC supports BPS policies in its advocacy work.

08/16/2023

The Inflation Reduction Act has far-reaching impacts across the U.S. and the global economy.

“I want to make it clear: the Inflation Reduction Act is the single most important climate action since the Paris Agreement in 2015,” -Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency. https://bit.ly/3QK1Dmq

"The Inflation Reduction Act is the single most important climate action since the Paris Agreement in 2015."

08/16/2023

It’s been one year since President Biden passed the most consequential climate law in U.S. history.

The future is bright. Explore USGBC's latest resources, including an updated slide deck with lots of new, actionable information and two recent podcasts on IRA implementation and the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

🏢 Inflation Reduction Act | Buildings Provisions : https://bit.ly/3QuHZY6

🎙 Inflation Reduction Act | Green finance like never before: https://bit.ly/3KKzvM9

🎧 What to know about the Greenhouse Reduction Fund: https://bit.ly/3YERYiQ

Inflation Reduction Act: Buildings Provisions

08/16/2023

08/15/2023

During the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo next month, join us as we dive into the details of v5 with sessions led by our staff and LEED experts. Explore the sessions and register today.

Get ready for LEED v5 with these sessions at Greenbuild.

08/14/2023

The recently announced Sustainable Products and Services procurement rule will help the government achieve net zero emissions under President Biden's Federal Sustainability Plan.

Open for public comment through October 2; the proposal is set to combat the environmental and economic burden, requiring agencies to prioritize sustainable goods.

Learn more and submit a comment today.

Learn more about the proposal to modify existing standards.

08/14/2023

A new report from The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) shows increased demand for solar jobs in green buildings. As the demand for sustainable buildings continues to grow, jobs in the market offer a consistent upward trajectory. View USGBC's top 10 list of green jobs. https://bit.ly/3QydKTD

A recent report shares growth in solar, as well as hope for ways the IRA can help.

08/14/2023

Attend the Midwest's leading and largest construction show, Chicago Build, October 11-12! Learn more and register today. https://bit.ly/44kTIiR

08/13/2023

Press play! 🎧 Understand the details of the Inflation Reduction Act with USGBC. Hear our latest podcast and discover the federal sustainability finance incentives of the . https://bit.ly/3qlDzvB

Learn how U.S. federal sustainability finance incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act support green and efficient buildings, cities, and jobs. Also hear about what funding is available now, and w

08/11/2023

The Greenbuild International Conference and Expo is right around the corner!

This year USGBC celebrates 30 years of transforming our buildings to enhance the well-being of our communities and occupants.

Learn more and register today. 🌱🏢 https://bit.ly/3VfPBBK

08/10/2023

This month, learn more about choosing materials to meet circularity, health and carbon reduction goals with USGBC's free course.

The Carbon Health Circle course also counts towards the Materials Selection badge. https://bit.ly/3q6tUsH

08/09/2023

Interested in expanding your knowledge on equity in green building? Explore topics in improving equity, diversity, and inclusion during this year's Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. Some sessions include:

- Environmental Justice
- Workforce development
- Prioritizing Community Engagement

Learn more and register today. https://bit.ly/3YIkVe9

Explore sessions at Greenbuild that will focus on reaching equity goals.

08/08/2023

Amazon HQ2 advances green building in their pursuit of Platinum certification and net zero emissions.

"When you get a large, high profile project like an Amazon, which jumps through hoops to innovate, it transforms the market.. "this is an anchor project that can move mountains" - Wes Sullens, LEED Fellow.

The U.S. Green Building Council is expected to incorporate innovations from Amazon’s new Virginia headquarters into the next iteration of its LEED building standard.

08/08/2023

The $1 billion Green and Resilient Retrofit Program announcement from the will provide grant and loan programs for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-assisted projects to help reduce GHG emissions and improve water and energy efficiency.

USGBC is excited that this funding will help projects meet green building certifications, including , bringing us closer to meeting climate change goals.

Learn more in the summer issue of USGBC+.

USGBC's federal legislative director shares the latest IRA news for green builders.

08/08/2023

Located in downtown Pittsburg, the Gold David L. Lawrence Convention Center was the country's first LEED-certified convention center. Certified in 2003, the project continues to support sustainability through .

Using LEED and Sustainable Sites strategies, the convention center extensively renovated its outdoor spaces, creating opportunities for occupants to connect with nature, increase biodiversity, and produce food. https://bit.ly/3OB16Sx

For 20 years, the center has used Sustainable Sites strategies to support biodiversity and access to nature.

08/05/2023

To address record-breaking heat, Austin city leaders are managing the rising temperatures with solutions, including water distribution at local parks and a pilot program for heat-reflective coatings on pavements.

This summer's extreme heat amplifies our need to transform our buildings and communities to enhance resilience and create healthier places. https://bit.ly/47hMeja

The city has launched cooling centers, misting areas and cool pavement technology.

08/03/2023

USGBC welcomed over 300 new and renewing members in July! We thank you for your continued support as we work together toward our mission to drive global change in the built environment. 🤝

These companies have joined the USGBC membership community.

08/02/2023

Education & The Workforce Committee Democrats

08/02/2023

Are you attending the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo this September?

Join us for the Women in Green Luncheon. Scholarship applications for this year's luncheon themed, Self-titled are now open through Tuesday, August 15.

Learn more and apply today! https://bit.ly/458yTb0

Connect with other women leaders in the industry.

07/31/2023

The July 2023 quarterly addenda and reference guide is now available. Visit the addenda database to learn more about the latest updates.

View our LEED rating system and reference guide addenda.

07/31/2023

The for Cities and Communities rating system continues to evolve in response to market feedback. View the latest revisions to the rating system in the new addenda. https://bit.ly/3q9LcF5

The adaptations are specific to local governments engaged in jurisdiction-wide sustainability performance.

07/28/2023

A newly proposed rule from the Biden administration for residential water heaters could jumpstart the adoption of energy-saving heat pumps and help reduce carbon emissions from U.S. homes.

The Biden administration's proposed efficiency standards could usher in the era of the heat pump water heater.

07/28/2023

LAST CALL: Learn more about with USGBC's free courses this month. Discover the details of biodiversity, sustainable sites, and . https://bit.ly/3XGFPK8

07/27/2023

U.S. Department of Energy released guidance for the Home Efficiency Rebate and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate programs, which will distribute nearly $9B in grants for residential efficiency and electrification improvements, focusing on low- and moderate-income households.

These policies are set to help reduce emissions and improve affordability and equity by improving homes and lowering energy costs. USGBC continues to support these efforts to advance green building and combat climate change.

This page provides guidance to help state energy offices and tribes report and manage program funding for the Home Efficiency Rebate Program and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program.

07/27/2023

The Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are historic. But one thing they don’t do at scale is address the massive facilities needs at America’s schools. The Rebuild America’s Schools Act would fill that void by significantly increasing federal investment in these critical resources, creating safe, healthy and green school buildings across the nation, and particularly in communities that need it most.

“The Rebuild America’s Schools Act is an essential piece of legislation to protect our kids and strengthen our communities, and we are proud to support its reintroduction,” says Anisa Heming, director of the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council.

USGBC and the Center for Green Schools are proud to support this legislation. We applaud Congressman Bobby Scott, Rep. Donald Norcross and Senator Jack Reed for leading this effort.

Education & The Workforce Committee Democrats

07/27/2023

Did you know that -certified buildings can help to enhance biodiversity?

The built environment can support sustainable life for all inhabitants by implementing biophilic design and energy and water systems.

Hear from USGBC's Karema Seliem, LEED AP, as she discusses the importance of safeguarding our ecosystems and promoting resilience through LEED and The Sustainable SITES Initiative.

https://bit.ly/44IVkUe

USGBC's associate director on the LEED Technical Development team speaks to the importance of our ecosystems.

07/26/2023

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and the International Trade Administration (ITA) are seeking insights from industry professionals and stakeholders on climate adaptation and resilience technology.

Submit your comments by July 28 to help support the growth in the U.S. export market for climate resilience technology and energy-efficient infrastructure.

Comment on climate adaptation and resilience technology.

07/25/2023

At the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo this year, join the Greenbuild tours for an immersive look at SITES-certified and projects. Explore how parks, university campuses, and government facilities serve to improve health, resilience, and so much more. https://bit.ly/3rNeNF2

Greenbuild tours will immerse you in striking projects in the Washington, D.C. area.

07/25/2023

Enhancing is essential as we focus on advancing green building. Our buildings must work in harmony with ecological systems to benefit the life of all beings. Explore the summer issue of USGBC+ and discover how and The Sustainable SITES Initiative work together to support healthy spaces. https://bit.ly/3Y94pU2

Explore the summer issue of USGBC+.

07/24/2023

This year's Greenbuild Legacy Project is set to leave a lasting impact at the Kelly Miller Middle School in Washington, DC's Ward 7.

Gensler's Roots to Success initiative addresses the limited access to healthy and fresh food, improving the school's existing spaces with an emphasis on organic gardening practices, education on environmental justice, carbon reduction and more.

Learn more about this year's Greenbuild Legacy Project and how you can contribute.https://bit.ly/3Or7HPf

The 2023 project will support a middle school's on-site farm and cafeteria.

07/22/2023

Adapting our buildings to the changing climate can improve the health and safety of occupants and build a more sustainable future. Gensler details how the real estate industry must adapt to help mitigate the warming atmosphere. https://bit.ly/3Y1kTgX

Gensler’s Climate Action report covers design strategies for investors to mitigate the risk of rising water and manage the heat.

07/21/2023

Is Barbie's dreamhouse certified?

Barbie's dreamhouse needs a makeover as temperatures continue to increase. Cooling demands in the U.S. are expected to increase by 71% by 2050.

"She's a Barbie Girl, in a warming world."

07/21/2023

India has become a global leader in sustainable real estate practices, strongly committed to energy efficiency and eco-friendly materials.

"At a time where energy bills are skyrocketing and there are record heat waves across the world, ensuring that our homes are able to withstand the effects of climate change and extreme weather is more important than ever. Everyone deserves to live in a home that is energy-efficient, resilient, and that provides the highest level of comfort, and is safe and healthy for occupants," said Peter Templeton, USGBC president and CEO.

USGBC applauds these efforts and emphasizes the importance of green building in creating a more resilient and healthy future for all.

India has emerged as a global leader in incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly practices into the real estate sector, demonstrating a strong commitment to energy-efficiency and environmentally-conscious materials.

07/20/2023

Global warming is exacerbating extreme heat conditions in many communities. In the U.S., Federal agencies are supporting states with grants and technical assistance such as heat mapping and health alerts. Communities can tap into funds to implement strategies like weatherizing homes, building cooling centers, and installing efficient air conditioning equipment and greenscapes.

USGBC applauds these efforts to reduce health impacts from heat and help communities adapt. We encourage our members, green building practitioners and community advocates to learn more about these strategies and help spread the word! https://bit.ly/3rHx9a7

New measures will protect communities from extreme heat Millions of Americans are being impacted by extreme heat waves, which are growing in intensity, frequency, and duration due to climate change. In June, heat waves broke records across the country. Puerto Rico experienced its hottest month in mo...