The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit organization committed to expanding sustainable building practices. USGBC is composed of more than 15,000 organizations from across the building industry that are working to advance structures that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work. Members includes building owners and end-users, real estate developers, facility managers, architects, designers, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, product and building system manufacturers, government agencies, and nonprofits.
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 Platinum LEED-certified headquarters are located in Dupont Circle, a vibrant and historic neighborhood in downtown Washington, DC. The office earned certification under the LEED for Commercial Interiors Rating System, and is located within a Gold-rated LEED for New Construction building. Tour the office's green features and view the project profile.
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 (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Developed by USGBC, LEED addresses all building types and emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality. LEED is a practical rating tool for green building design and construction that provides immediate and measurable results for building owners and occupants.
There are more than 70 regional USGBC chapters nationwide providing green building resources, education, and networking opportunities in their communities.
USGBC provides top quality educational programs on green design, construction, and operations for professionals from all sectors of the building industry. More than 54,500 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.
USGBC’s Emerging Green Builders program provides educational opportunities and resources to students and young professionals with the goal of integrating these future leaders into the green building movement.
