Welcome! Feel free to contact any of us to find out how you can get involved in our activities. We hope to see you soon at one of our meetings or events!

What are 'Green Buildings'?

The term "green", borrowed from the environmental movement, describes a building that is healthier for people to work and live in, sustains our planet's resources into the future, and is more economical to operate and maintain.

Buildings in the U.S. currently consume 65% of our electricity, construction generates 136 millions tons of waste, and operation generates 30% of our greenhouse gas.

Green buildings are often referred to as "high performance buildings" because they are more efficient, not only as they are built, but over the years of their use. Everyone benefits!

Why build Green?

The benefits of building green are environmental, social, and economic. Some of the specific improvements include:

• Decreased resource consumption 
• Reduced building operating costs
• lncreased building valuation
• lmproved occupant comfort
• Decreased vacancy rates
• lmproved worker productivity
• Reduced absenteeism and turnover
• Reduced liability
• lncreased retail sales
• Competitive first costs
• Less new infrastructure needed

What is the U.S. Green Building Council?

The U. S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a nonprofit coalition of building industry groups that leads the movement toward higher performance buildings in the United States.

The organization's purpose is to:

• Integrate building industry sectors
• Lead market transformation
• Educate owners and practitioners

HOW do we measure Green-ness?

By using the USGBC's Leadership in Energy and Environment (LEED). Anyone can use the term "green" to describe their building project so the USGBC created a rating system to define and measure the efficiency of a building. LEED was developed and continues to evolve through a consensus-driven process with member experts and committees, pilot testing across the US, and continuing improvements to the standards. LEED currently has

rating systems for new construction, existing buildings, and commercial interiors, with more categories to come.

LEED awards points in the following areas:

• Sustainable sites
• Water efficiency
• Energy and atmosphere
• Materials and resources
• Indoor environmental quality
• Innovation and design process

The number of points achieved differentiate the buildings into certified, silver, gold, and platinum.

Who are we?

We are the USGBC Central Illinois Chapter, striving to:

• raise awareness about the value of green buildings
• encourage collaboration among varied groups
• inform via learning events
• support and promote LEED projects
• create an Environmental Building Award  for Central Illinois.

We need your help to accomplish these goals!

Who should participate?

Diverse members make us more effective!

• architectural & engineering firms
• building control service & commissioning providers
• building owners, managers, users & brokers
• citizens & tenants, including retail & others
• contractors & builders
• environmental groups & consultants
• financial & insurance groups
• government (federal, state, and local)
• manufacturers
• planners
• press
• professional societies
• real estate developers
• universities, schools & research institutes utilities
• and other related fields

Why you should join us?

• Learn, innovate, network, and improve our built and natural environment!
• Attend events and LEED workshops at special rates.
• Gain in-depth knowledge on important topics.
• Network with professionals outside your specialty to learn from their experiences and find new business contacts.
• Gain recognition as a member of the green building community.
• Sponsor events for further recognition.

Best of all, you can actively promote a green and healthy Central Illinois!

HOW can you join us?

To be a member of a local chapter, your firm or organization must be a National Member of the U. S. Green Building Council.

To become a member, register online use the "Join" link at the top of our page in the orange menu bar.

Be sure to let them know you are interested in the Central lllinois Chapter.