United States Green Building Council
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in how buildings are designed, built, and operated. Here is detailed information about its history, objectives, and contributions:
History
- Founding: The USGBC was founded in 1993 by a group of business and environmental leaders in response to the growing need for environmentally responsible construction practices.
- Development: Over the years, the USGBC has grown significantly, now boasting over 13,000 member organizations from all sectors of the building industry.
- LEED: In 2000, USGBC introduced the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system, which has become the most widely used green building rating system in the world.
Mission and Objectives
- Transform the Building Industry: USGBC aims to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.
- LEED Certification: Through LEED, USGBC provides third-party verification of green buildings, ensuring that they meet stringent standards for sustainability in areas like energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources.
- Education and Training: The council offers education and training programs to professionals in the building industry to promote green building practices.
Impact and Achievements
- Global Reach: USGBC has expanded its influence internationally, with LEED projects in over 167 countries and territories.
- Innovation: USGBC has driven innovation in green building through various initiatives like the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, which is one of the largest conferences focused on green building.
- Policy Influence: The council has been instrumental in shaping green building policies at both national and local levels, encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices in building codes and standards.
Resources
For more detailed information:
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