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USGBC-Houston Mission: USGBC-GHAC is dedicated to the implementation of market-based green building policies, program technologies, design practices, and operational proecdures and facilitates communication among all those interested in green building activities. G W H Green Works Houston The U.S. Green Building Council – Greater Houston Area Chapter has been at the forefront as the green building movement in Houston has grown at an unprecedented rate during the past ﬁve years. Education, business, political, and civic leaders are embracing high performance green buildings for both new construction and for major renovation. It is clear that this movement is becoming a mainstay practice in the building industry, and developers see it as a proﬁtable market. Mayor Bill White issued a public call for building professionals to explore ways to build more green buildings because they are proﬁtable, sensitive to the environment, and responsive to citizens growing concerns. As a result new green Building Codes are in place that ensure high-performance buildings will become the standard environment for Houston workplaces. USGBC Houston was organized in 2005 to promote the independent veriﬁcation process for green building as well as educate, advocate, and inform the public on the beneﬁts of green building. Currently, more than 1,600 LEED APs work within the Houston city limits. More than 370 buildings are in different phases of the LEED certiﬁcation program. Fortynine buildings in the greater Houston area are now LEED certiﬁed (see page 40). This incredible growth and market penetration creates exciting opportunities for the chapter as it works to meet the needs of this movement. USGBC Houston now has formal collaborations with 13 other organizations sharing our passion to “Green” the built environment. We organized a Galveston Branch, which has been active in the rebuilding effort after Hurricane Ike (September 13, 2008) and introduced Green Guidelines for residents to follow as they rebuild. We give numerous presentations, hold study groups, and sponsor educational events. USGBC most recently has established LEED programs for Schools, Homes, and Existing Buildings. Our local advocacy committee spent a day in Austin, where we met with State Representatives to discuss legislation and provide information. And ﬁnally, our Emerging Green Builders continues to expand its presence at local universities and with young professionals. www.usgbc-houston.org U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL Greater Houston Area Chapter

Houston_Green_10.23.09

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