The conference, now in its 18th year, featured an analysis of the impact building has on the environment and human health, according to information from the organization. Among its keynote speakers were former President Barack Obama and civil rights activist Dr. Bernice King. The event, sponsored by the USGBC and owned and operated by Informa Connect, hosted thousands of industry leaders for a four-day long conference.
“Many people may not be thinking about how a building impacts them or their environment,” said Kim Heavner, vice president for conferences and events at USGBC. “That’s why this year’s theme, ‘A New Living Standard,’ explored how we can broaden that conversation and help connect the dots between people and the places where they live, work, learn and play.”
Among some of the areas covered during this year’s conference were:
- “USGBC Equity will advance social equity in our communities”
- “Launch of ‘Insight’ Feature to Help Green Building Projects Prioritize Sustainability Strategies and Improve Performance”
- “Green Business Certification Inc. Rolls Out ISSP Professional Credentials, Recognizing Expertise in the Field of Sustainability”
- “City of Atlanta Achieves LEED Certification, Marking 100 Certified LEED Cities and Communities”
Presenters included architect and MacArthur Fellow Jeanne Gang, climate and weather expert Dr. Marshall Shepherd and youth climate activist Jamie Margolin, according to the USGBC. “Greenbuild is the largest green building conference and expo in the world and brings thousands of sustainability and green building leaders together to advance our vision that buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the vitality of all life within a generation,” according to promotional materials. “This year, the conference elevated the connection between people and the spaces they rely on every day.”
From Twitter
Ommid Saberi @ommidsaberi
This week, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, @edgebuildings @IFC_org potential for Green Building market development is unbelievable. PNG Power & IFC piloting rooftop solar. EDGE is a great way of reducing the running cost of buildings. Bldgs heavily relying on diesel generators.
Indianapolis Building Makes its Own History
An Indianapolis Star article highlighted Indiana’s first ever v4 Platinum LEED certified building—a new office building for Guidon Design in Indianapolis—which came with a $2.6 million price tag. “By employing solar panels, large windows and high-quality insulation, the office cuts down on necessary heating and lighting costs—which could mean big savings in the long run," said Guidon Sustainability Engineer Hannah Fleck.
Indiana has a reputation for lagging other states in “sustainable construction,” according to the article. Indiana ranked 35th in the U.S. for LEED-certified space per person last year. The v4 Platinum certification is the highest certification offered by the USGBC. Other buildings in the state with Platinum status qualified under older versions, the article notes.