The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501 c3 non-profit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings..With a community comprising 78 local affiliates, more than 18,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 140,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students. 

Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.

USGBC’s Mission

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.

USGBC’s Vision

Buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation.

USGBC’s Guiding Principles

USGBC’s Board of Directors has articulated “guiding principles” that will help us all with the decisions we make every day about USGBC and its programs. In an industry predicated on innovation, the principles provide us with clarity and continuity, while also giving us the flexibility to grow and respond to a rapidly changing market. Learn more about USGBC’s Guiding Principles.

USGBC’s Headquarters

USGBC’s headquarters are located in downtown Washington, DC. To schedule a tour of our LEED Platinum office, please contact hqtours@usgbc.org.

USGBC Programs

The annual U.S. market in green building products and services was more than $7 billion in 2005, $12 billion in 2007 and projected to increase to $60 billion by 2010. USGBC supports this effort with the following programs:

LEED® Green Building Rating System™

The LEED green building certification system is the preeminent program for rating the design, construction and operation of green buildings. 35,000 projects are currently participating in the LEED system, comprising over 4.5 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 91 countries.

By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

Education

USGBC provides top quality educational programs on green design, construction, and operations for professionals from all sectors of the building industry. Thousands of designers, builders, suppliers, and managers have attended USGBC educational programs to gain practical knowledge, explore new business opportunities, and learn how to create healthier, more productive and more efficient places to live and work. USGBC also hosts Greenbuild, the largest international conference and expo focused on green building.

Greenbuild International Conference & Expo

Greenbuild is the world’s largest conference and exposition dedicated to green building. Launched in 2002, it has quickly become the can’t-miss event for the green building industry. Each year, tens of thousands of professionals from all over the world are drawn to Greenbuild by outstanding educational sessions and speakers, green building tours, special seminars and networking events, and a huge exhibit hall featuring the newest products and technologies.

Advocacy

At every level of government, USGBC is advancing the powerful mission of green buildings for all within a generation. Through talented volunteer corps of green building advocates and seasoned national staff, USGBC is providing policymakers and community leaders with the tools, strategies and resources they need to take leadership positions, foster innovation, and inspire action. From signature national advocacy programs promoting green schools to policy engagement with decision makers in the White House, the U.S. Congress and state houses and city halls across the country, USGBC is accelerating the uptake of policies and initiatives that enable and encourage market transformation toward a sustainable built environment.

Chapter Programs

There are 78 regional USGBC chapters nationwide providing green building resources, education, and networking opportunities in their communities.

Emerging Professionals

USGBC’s Emerging Professionals program provides educational opportunities and resources to young professionals with the goal of integrating these future leaders into the green building movement.