What is the USGBC?

Click here for a pdf version of our Fact Sheet

USGBC PowerPoints:
About USGBC
About LEED
Why Build Green
Green Schools
Green Homes

• The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.
• Founded in 1993, USGBC’s mission is a sustainable built environment within a generation.  The Council encourages green building practices through a variety of educational offerings; extensive member and chapter networks; its annual Greenbuild Conference, and LEED, the foremost green building certification system for the design, construction and operation of green buildings.
• With a community comprising 80 local chapters and branches, 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 between 2009 and 2013. 
• Since the LEED for New Construction rating system entered pilot testing in April 1998, LEED has evolved to become the nation’s benchmark for high-performance buildings, providing third-party verification and continually raising the bar on the way we design, build and operate buildings.
• The USGBC leads a diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, teachers and students.
• USGBC is transforming 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 for everyone.
• In 2009, 82% of corporate America is expected to be greening at least 16% of their real estate portfolios. USGBC envisions buildings and communities that will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life for future generations.
• With buildings accounting for over 72% of all electricity consumed in America, it is necessary to address more efficient building practices. Reducing consumption is the cornerstone of energy efficiency, which is fundamental to the USGBC mission.

What is the USGBC Central Texas -
Balcones Chapter?

About the Chapter Power Point
Map of Texas Chapter areas
South Central Regional Committee

• Founded in 2003, the Central Texas - Balcones Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (www.usgbc-centraltexas.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to accelerating growth in sustainable building and land development practices in Central & South Texas through innovation, education, advocacy and partnerships.
• The Chapter’s role is to promote the use of green building and sustainable development practices to local, regional and state government, educational institutions, those involved in the residential and commercial construction, development and realty sectors, and others who might influence the implementation of these practices.
• The Chapter has more than 500 members comprising building and associated industry professionals from Austin, San Antonio, Waco, Rio Grande Valley and the surrounding 72 counties.
• There are more than 1,000 LEED Accredited Professionals in the Chapter region; nearly 100 LEED certified buildings and more than 300 registered LEED projects in the planning or construction stage.
• The Chapter hosts LEED® workshops, study groups, educational sessions on sustainable technologies and applications and offers networking events for the region’s green-building community.
• The Central Texas - Balcones Chapter offers members a variety of volunteer opportunities, including serving on committees such as advocacy, communications, development, education and membership.

Get Involved

Become a Member
Become a Sponsor
Volunteering
Interning

• National Membership – for companies and organizations looking to become USGBC members, find out about national membership at www.usgbc.org.
  
  
• Chapter Membership – for individuals wishing to be involved in the region’s green building movement CLICK HERE 
  Dues are:
• Regular Member: $65.00
• Employee of a National Member organization (30% discount): $45.50
• Full-Time Student (60% discount): $26.00
• Bulk memberships (15 or more) are available - contact ED@usgbc-centraltexas.org
  
  
• Benefits:
• Actively participate in the green building movement
• Expand your professional network
• Obtain discounted prices for Chapter presented educational programs and other membership events
• Potentially influence the Chapter’s activities by serving in leadership positions and using your voting privileges
• Advance notice via email of upcoming events and educational workshops, as well as newsletters, member-only events, and much more.

• Sponsorships & Donations: There are numerous tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities available for businesses and individuals. You can become a Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze or Green Sponsor for one year or sponsor an individual event, workshop or seminar. In-Kind sponsorships are also considered. Exposure varies depending on the level of sponsorship. To see our current Sponsors CLICK HERE. To become a sponsor or donate now CLICK HERE
  
  
• Volunteering:The USGBC Central Texas - Balcones Chapter owes its success to its hard working and committed volunteers. If you are interested in getting more involved in helping expand the green building movement please consider joining one of our committees: Advocacy, Communications, Development, Education, Emerging Professionals, Finance, Green Schools, Membership, Nominations, Programs, or Technology & Research. For more information see our Board and Committees page. To become a volunteer, please e-mail ED@usgbc-centraltexas.org

• Interning: A variety of unpaid internships for credits and experience are available with the Central Texas - Balcones Chapter. If interested in an internship, e-mail the Executive Director, at ED@usgbc-centraltexas.org with a note explaining who you are, why you're interested, which area/s interests you, why you think you qualify for the role and what you'd like to gain from interning with the USGBC. Please put Chapter Internship in the Subject line and attach your resume.