by Zach House, Newsletter Editor

The USGBC Central Texas-Balcones Chapter (CT-B) is establishing a LEED Projects database, and the effort promises lasting benefits for companies, builders, architects, and homeowners across the 55 counties that make up the Central Texas-Balcones region. By undertaking this initiative, the CT-B is looking to establish an up-to-date directory to facilitate interaction among those companies, firms, and individuals undertaking the challenge of LEED registration. As well, the LEED projects list will serve as a conduit through which local green building enthusiasts can identify neighborhood companies and homeowners who have taken up the sustainability cause within the built environment.

In addition, the LEED database will open the lines of communication between originators of Central Texas LEED projects and the CT-B's rapidly expanding membership. Postings of project participants, certification dates, ribbon cuttings, and more will be presented to CT-B members via event announcements and the chapter website and newsletter. And, of course, once a project is LEED certified, the project will join the database with other Central Texas LEED certified projects. Click to read more

Forget about Chinese gold medal dominance in Judo, Synchronized Diving, Weightlifting, and Trampoline, here's one they should be especially proud of: The Olympic Village in Beijing, home to the 17,000 athletes from around the world, has just received LEED Gold Certification under the LEED for Neighborhood Development pilot program.

The Olympic Village in Beijing is the eighth project to be certified under the LEED-ND pilot, and the first international project to reach certification. A joint 2004 protocol between the US Department of Energy and China's Ministry of Science and Technology resulted in plans to seek LEED Certification for the Olympic Village. Click here to read more