About
August 19, 2008
U.S. Green Building Council – Chicago Chapter
Welcome to the U.S. Green Building Council – Chicago Chapter: Chicagoland’s Green Building Community. The Chicago Chapter’s 1,600-plus members represent the entire spectrum of Chicagoland’s green building community, from real estate professions, architects, engineers, and designers, to contractors, product manufacturers, state and local government officials, homebuilders and homeowners.
The U.S. Green Building Council – Chicago Chapter is the local affiliate of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a national non-profit composed of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED® provides a roadmap for measuring and documenting success for every building type and phase of a building lifecycle.
In the Chicagoland region, the USGBC-Chicago Chapter furthers the work of USGBC through a variety of programs, events, educational and research initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and resources for the local green building community. Annually, the Chapter offers over 100 events and programs for its members and the general public.
Branches
The Chicago Chapter’s service region covers all of Illinois, excluding metro St. Louis. To better serve our members throughout the Chicagoland region, the Chapter has established four suburban branches to bring programs and resources to various parts of our service region. The Chapter’s existing suburban branches include: Fox Valley (Aurora, St. Charles, Elgin, Geneva, Batavia, etc.); North/Northwest Suburban (Arlington Heights, Evanston, Gurnee, Northbrook, etc.), West Suburban (Lisle, Oak Park, Schaumburg, Wheaton, etc.), and South Suburban (Forest Park, Joliet, Kankakee, Palos Hills, etc.).
In addition, the Chapter recently consolidated with the Central Illinois Chapter to create one USGBC Chapter in Illinois that now serves the majority of the state, excluding the Metro East communities and counties which are served by the St. Louis Regional Chapter. The Chicago Chapter will be updating its name later in 2009 to reflect this new state-wide focus. The Central Illinois Chapter is now the Central IL Branch of the Chicago Chapter focused on the Urbana-Champaign, Bloomington-Normal, and Springfield areas. The Chapter is interested in starting additional branches throughout the state in 2009 and beyond.
The Chapter’s newest branch is the Rockford/Northern IL Branch which was established in June 2009. The Rockford/Northern Illinois Branch serves the North and Northwest portions of the state including: Rockford, DeKalb, and Quad Cities regions.
For more information on the Chapter’s existing branches, or for information on starting a branch in your area, please visit the branch section of the web site.
Committees
The Chapter’s skilled and diverse membership is its most valuable asset. Our members participate in a variety of committees that develop programs and events for various segments of the region’s green building community and/or assist the Chapter in a variety of operational functions that help us achieve our goals. Committees include: Education and Research, Residential Green Building, State and Local Government, Green Schools, Public Relations, Membership, Emerging Green Builders, Programs, Special Events, Finance, Fundraising, and Governance. The committee section of the web site explores committees in further detail.
Programs
Annually, the Chapter offers over 100 events, program, and resources throughout the region, including:
• Tours of green buildings
• Policy-related roundtable discussions
• Monthly workshops that explore LEED points and concepts in practice
• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) study sessions
• Application-based training for contractors and tradespersons
• Regional networking and social events
• Regional speakers’ bureau that brings green building awareness to local government and community groups
• Collaborative programs with other professional and non-profit organizations
• A variety of resources to help make high performance green building the standard in the region
For a complete listing of Chapter programs and events, please see the Events Calendar section.
Membership
Chapter membership is geared towards individuals. Companies or organizations join the national USGBC, while individuals join Chapters. There are three types of local Chapter membership: Regular Chapter Membership, USGBC Member Discount, and Full-time Student Discount. To join the Chapter or to learn more about Chapter membership, please visit the membership section of the web site.
To learn more about national USGBC membership for companies and organizations, visit the membership section of the USGBC web site.
Awards and Achievements
The USGBC-Chicago Chapter has received several local, regional, and national awards including:
USGBC Chapter Award of Excellence – Community (Large Chapter) – 2009
USGBC Chapter Award of Excellence – Organizational Excellence (Large Chapter) – 2008
Shore Bank Green Neighbor Award – 2008
USGBC Heartland Regional Award – 2008 – Promoting LEED
USGBC Chapter Award of Excellence – Education (Large Chapter) – 2006
Press Releases
For the latest information on the Chapter and its programs, check out our PR and News section.
Chapter Policies
Are you a Chapter member looking for information on Chapter policies and procedures? Check out the chapter policies section of the web site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a specific question about the Chapter, USGBC, LEED, or the LEED AP Exam, check out our Frequently Asked Questions section.
Central Illinois Branch
August 19, 2008
The Central Illinois Branch of the Chicago Chapter plans and coordinate USGBC Chapter events and programs in Normal, Springfield, Champaign-Urbana, Peoria, and the Central Illinois region.
| Branch Steering Committee Officers | 2010 Branch Events & Meetings | 2009 Branch Events |
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Branch Chair, Vacant |
Click here to see the Event Calendar. View the 2010 Steering Committee Meeting |
Sustainable Landscapes – The Full Cycle LEED ND – A Practical Perspective LEED 2009 Overview LEED for Homes 101 |
Green Schools K-12
August 19, 2008
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What is a green school? What is the impact schools have on our community and on the environment? What is LEED for Schools? What are the benefits of LEED, particularly for schools?
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Green School References Greening America’s Schools – Gregory Kats Study USGBC K-12 & Higher Education Resources Playbook for Green Buildings & Neighborhoods
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LEED 2009 for Schools Resources LEED 2009 for Schools: New Construction and Major Renovation – Rating System; download checklist here. LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance |
Office of Governor Pat Quinn Illinois Sustainable Schools Compact |
USGBC-Chicago Chapter Green Schools Committee
Green Building
August 19, 2008
| Why Build Green?
Environmental benefits:
Economic benefits:
Health and community benefits:
More statistics on the built environment in the U.S. and the growing size of USGBC membership and LEED are available at http://www.usgbc.org/research. LEED Buildings in Illinois Certified Project List (search for Illinois) Regional Green Building Case Studies Project (coming soon…) The Regional Green Building Case Study Project is made possible through the generous support of the Grand Victoria Foundation. Become a LEED Accredited Professional (AP) National USGBC Resources USGBC Membership (Benefits, Dues, Member Directory) |
Build Green Schools Join your local green schools campaign, see what others are doing and saying, and learn about the LEED® for Schools rating system. – www.buildgreenschools.org The Green Home Guide Greenbuild International Conference and Expo Greenbuild (365)
City of Chicago Resources |
Committee Meeting Schedules
December 3, 2008
LEED Rating Systems
February 10, 2009
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating SystemTM encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.
LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations is designed to guide and distinguish high-performance commercial and institutional projects.
LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance provides a benchmark for building owners and operators to measure operations, improvements and maintenance.
LEED for Commercial Interiors is a benchmark for the tenant improvement market that gives the power to make sustainable choices to tenants and designers.
LEED for Core & Shell aids designers, builders, developers and new building owners in implementing sustainable design for new core and shell construction.
LEED for Schools recognizes the unique nature of the design and construction of K-12 schools and addresses the specific needs of school spaces.
LEED for Retail recognizes the unique nature of retail design and construction projects and addresses the specific needs of retail spaces.
LEED for Healthcare promotes sustainable planning, design and construction for high-performance healthcare facilities.
LEED for Homes promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes.
LEED for Neighborhood Development integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism and green building into the first national program for neighborhood design.
LEED Frequently Asked Questions
This is a great resource for first time LEED users and experienced project team members alike.
Other LEED Reference Documents
Legislative & Regulatory Update
April 27, 2009
Legislative and Regulatory Update – April 8, 2009
Highlights of House Activity
HB1013-GREEN BUILDINGS ACT-requires that State-funded building construction and major renovations of existing State-owned facilities meet certain energy and environmental standards of the LEED rating system, Green Globes rating system, or an equivalent rating system. Now in the Senate, it has been referred to Assignments. (See also HB3815-GREEN BUILDINGS ACT).
HB2316-HIGHER EDUCATION-ENERGY CONSERVATION N-amends the Public University Energy Conservation Act, and provides that “energy conservation measure” includes construction of a new building or facility that is designed to reduce energy consumption or operating costs. The Senate version, SB2009, is now placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading April 2, 2009. Also regarding schools, HB3799 requires the State Board of Education to create a low-interest revolving loan program for school districts to renovate, rehabilitate, or upgrade existing school facilities to incorporate environmentally friendly or energy-efficient building materials or alternative energy devices.
There is also a bill, HB2437, requiring every State-owned building to establish a green cleaning policy whereby the building buys and uses only environmentally-sensitive cleaning products, and has been referred to Assignments in the Senate. Another, HB3924, gives a $20 tax credit per each month the taxpayer bicycles to and from work at least 10 days during that month.
Highlights of Senate Activity
SB1344-EPA-MUNICIPAL PENALTIES would permit any municipality to impose a penalty against any person owning or leasing property that releases a hazardous substance or any other contaminate that injures the public health and the safety of the community,
SB1489-GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE ACT requires the Illinois EPA to adopt comprehensive storm water management rules; a storm water permit fee to support implementation of State storm water regulations; and to establish management programs in order to transition toward the use of green infrastructure as the predominant storm water management strategy. SB1489 has passed to the House and referred to the Rules Committee.
Creating the School Wind and Solar Generation Program to fund wind generation projects and solar generation projects for school districts and community college districts, SB1570 offers full or partial grants for engineering studies, feasibility studies, research studies, and construction costs. It also allows school districts and community college districts to own and operate solar generation turbine farms (not just wind generation turbine farms) that directly or indirectly reduce energy or other operating costs. SB1570 has also passed to the House and referred to Rules Committee.
Current Sponsors
August 19, 2008
Current Sponsors
Thank you to all of our current Chapter Partners. Chapter Partners make our work possible by providing program and operating support throughout the year.
Sustaining Partners
Thank you to our current Sustaining Partners! Sustaining Partners provide operating and program support for all of the Chapter’s programs, events, and initiatives throughout the year.
Gold Sponsors
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Silver Sponsors
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Green Sponsors
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Friends
| Ameritus, LLC Amlings Interior Landscape Derry Berrigan Lighting Design Bovis Lend Lease Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione The John Buck Company Cantigny, Part of the McCormick Foundation Clune Construction Company Coverings The Cullie Group DuPage County Electrical Contractors Association Gensler Gilbane Building Company Hitchcock Design Group |
HJKessler Associates, Inc. |
Nalco Company |
Chapter Office Build-out Donors
Thank you to our 2009 Chapter Office Buildout Donors.
Design & Construction Team |
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Product Donations |
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LTLB Development Cotter Consulting Derry Berrigan Lighting Design Fitzgerald Earles Architects, Inc. Knight E/A Leasecorp Leopardo Construction Ephi Maglaris |
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3form Altro Floors Chicago Metallic Continental Electric Duff & Phelps EJ Welch |
Haworth Hill Mechanical Lutron Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. The Mohawk Group Turner Construction |
Program Partners
Thank you to our 2009 Program Partners.
Program Partners provide direct support for specific Chapter programs and events.
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Location |
Elm $150 |
Birch $250 |
Linden $500 |
Maple $1000 |
Oak $2000 |
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FEB 2009 |
LEED for Dummies |
Chicago |
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Interior Investments |
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Mechanical Contractors Association |
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MAR 2009 |
Chapter Business Meeting |
Chicago |
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Softer Lite Window Company/TRACO |
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Merchandise Mart Properties |
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USGBC: Other Learning and Networking Opportunities |
Fox Valley Branch |
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Steelcase and DLA |
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LCA: Blueprint for Product Sustainability |
N/NW Suburban Branch |
Forbo Flooring Systems |
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APR 2009 |
LEED Leaders & Liters |
Chicago |
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Fester & Jensen Ameriprise (catering) |
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Integrated Design: Understanding Systems Interactions and Materials Selection |
West Suburban Branch |
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CB Richard Ellis |
American Hydrotech |
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MAY 2009 |
Chapter Business Meeting: 2016 Green Olympic Bid |
Chicago |
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Softer Lite Window Company/TRACO, Sustainable Flooring Systems |
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Illinois Institute of Technology |
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LEED Leaders & Liters: Renewable Energy |
West Suburban Branch |
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Affiliated Engineers, Interior Investments, |
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DuPage County, Hotel Arista |
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Greening Your Municipality |
South Suburban Branch |
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Smooth Energy, Engineering Resource Associates |
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EGB Networking Event |
Chicago |
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Turner Construction Company |
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JUN 2009 |
It Pays to Go Green: Sustainability Incentive Programs for Local Government |
West Suburban Branch |
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Siemens |
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The McCormick Foundation, |
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Summer Evening on Campus: LEED Gold Dormitories Tour |
South Suburban Branch |
Green Technology Document Management, Larson Engineering, Inc., Phillip J. Riley Architects |
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JULY 2009 |
Chapter Business Meeting |
Chicago |
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Sustainable Flooring Systems |
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Urban Innovations |
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LEED Extra Credit: Stormwater Management Practices at Elmhurst College |
West Suburban Branch |
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Wight & Company, Ace Styline, Paveloc, Elmhurst College |
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2nd Annual Intern Picnic |
Chicago |
Harrington College of Design |
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Turner Construction Company |
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Solving the Green Cleaning Puzzle |
N/NW Suburban Branch |
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JohnsonDiversey, Chemcraft Industries |
The RTF Group, Inc., ISSA Headquarters, Tornado Industries |
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AUG 2009 |
LEED Leaders & Liters |
Chicago |
Fuez |
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All About Green / Active Roofing, Robe Brothers / Mountain Lumber, Potbelly’s |
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Ameritus, LLC |
| SEPT 2009 | Chapter Business Meeting | Chicago | PCI Flortech | Softer Lite Windows Co. / TRACO Windows | Gensler | ||
| Emerging Green Builders Event | Chicago | Grumman / Butkus | |||||
| Panduit Hard Hat Tour | South Suburban Branch | Gewalt Hammilton Associates, Inc. | Affiliated Engineers, Inc. | Power Construction | |||
| Hubble Middle School Case Study | West Suburban Branch | Bovis Lend Lease Legat Architects |
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| LEED Leaders & Liters | Chicago | Unilock Sikich Engineers Recycled Granite |
Ozinga | ||||
| Member Volunteer Appreciation Party | Garfield Park Alliance | ||||||
| Going Green to LEED | Alpha Controls & Services | ||||||
| OCT 2009 | Building & Teaching for Sustainable Future | West Suburban Branch | College of DuPage | Primera Engineers, Ltd. | The Rise Group | Gilbane | |
| Rock River Water Reclamation District Building Tour | Rockford/N.IL Branch | Scandroli Construction | Larson & Darby Group | ||||
| NOV 2009 | LEED 2009 Overview & GBCI Credentials | West Suburban Branch | Harley Ellis Devereaux | Triton College | |||
| Chapter Annual Meeting & Holiday Party | Chicago | Pella Windows & Doors Kohler Softer Lite Window Co. / TRACO Windows Sustainable Flooring Systems |
Teknion | Daltile | |||
| LEED for Existing Buildings: Grainger Case Study | N/NW Suburban Branch | Grainger | |||||
| LEED 2009 Overview & GBCI Credentials | Rockford/N.IL Branch | Andersen Windows Kitzman’s Lumber |
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| DEC 2009 | Greening in the Holiday Season | Fox Valley Branch | DLA Architects, Ltd. | ||||
| LEED Leaders & Liters: Legal Precedents | Chicago | Garvey’s Office Products Coffee Unlimited |
TAB Products Co., LLC | Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione | |||
| LEED Leaders & Liters: ROI & Existing Buildings | West Suburban Branch | Chelsea Group | Nalco Company | ||||
Program Descriptions
August 19, 2008
The Chicago Chapter offers programs throughout the year in the following categories. Click on a program title to view upcoming dates each program is offered OR visit the Events/Calendar page to view all upcoming programs.
Green Building: Nuts & Bolts for Contractors Workshop
This workshop is designed to educate the construction community about green building procedures and strategies, the LEED rating system, and the requirements that need to be met on the construction site and in the office to achieve a certified structure. Workshop topics include the green building team and the contractor’s role in the following: sustainable site construction methods, considerations of energy and water efficiency, building commissioning, construction waste management, procurement and documentation of green building materials, construction for good indoor air quality, and documentation for LEED credits.
LEED AP Study Sessions
This session is designed for individuals studying for the LEED Accredited Professional (AP) exams and is open to both members and non-members. It is currently available for LEED® for New Construction version 2.2 and LEED® for Existing Buildings version 2.0. The Chapter is in the process of developing sessions for updates to the rating systems in 2009.
LEED Extra Credit
This event is a monthly panel discussion series which provides an opportunity to explore LEED concepts and credits in greater depth. The sessions provide attendees a greater understanding about LEED credits and the cerfification process through real-world stories from regional green building professionals. AIA continuing education credits are offered for attendees.
LEED, Leaders & Liters
This event is held several times a year to help increase Chapter membership. It is a forum for attendees to network with each other and discuss use of the LEED rating system. These events usually begin with time for networking and then end with a presentation about a more general aspect of green building – green alleys, LEED® ND, LEED® for Schools, tax incentives for building green, etc.
LEED Workshops
Each of these intensive programs delivers an in-depth review of the technical requirements of the LEED rating system and the tools and information needed to incorporate green building practices into a project. Courses provide case studies on successful strategies for earning LEED credits and achieving project certification. Workshops provide attendees with an understanding of how LEED is being used nationally to define various levels of green project design and are recommended for those working on a project or who may want to become a LEED Accredited Professional. A full listing of LEED workshops is available on the National USGBC website.
- LEED for New Construction Technical Review
- January 26, 2009 from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Download LEED for New Construction flyer
- Download How to Register for a LEED Workshop flyer
State & Local Government Trolley Tours
These tours are open to government officials or developers that work on government green building projects. The tours include guided tours of three or four local green buildings. In Chicago, the usual mode of transportation is a trolley, but biodiesel buses have been used in the surrounding region.
General Membership Trolley Tours
These tours are open to everyone (both members and non-members). The tours include guided tours of three or four local green buildings. In the city, the usual mode of transportation is a trolley, but biodiesel buses have been used in the surrounding region.
Emerging Green Builder (EGB) Events
The goal of EGB events is to provide interaction with young professionals from various fields that are interested in green building, sustainability and social responsibility. These events are focused for students and recent graduates, both members and non-members. Most EGB events begin with a review the mission of the USGBC-Chicago Chapter, discuss the role of the Emerging Green Builders in the area, and introduce upcoming projects.
Chapter Business Meetings
Chapter Business Meetings occur six times per year. This event provides an opportunity for Chapter Board and Committee updates to the membership, networking, and a panel discussion on a topic related to LEED and green building.
State & Local Government
August 19, 2008
Both USGBC and the USGBC-Chicago Chapter provide a variety of resources for local and state governments related to green building. Check out the various resources below.
State of Illinois Resources
Check out the new green website for the State of Illinois! http://www.green.illinois.gov
USGBC-Chicago Chapter Resources
Local Legislation/State Policy Update – get an overview of pending local and state legislation related to green building.
(Link to SLG committee’s policy update)
Request a Speaker – The USGBC-Chicago Chapter provides speakers to state and local governmental entities through the Regional Speaker’s Bureau. To request a speaker, click here
USGBC-Chicago Chapter State & Local Government Committee
National USGBC Resources
Public Policy Search
Search local, state, and federal public policy by USGBC Region, Certification Requirement, Size of Jurisdiction, LEED Rating System, Type of Entity, Policy Path, Incentive, and Date. more>>
Government Resources
USGBC is committed to supporting federal, state and local governments in their pursuit and development of green building programs and initiatives. View USGBC’s resources for state and local governments. more>>
Tools for Government and Schools
View a list of USGBC links, reference documents, stats and web resources for government and schools. more>>
LEED Initiatives in Government and Schools
View a full list of LEED initiatives in federal, state and local governments, as well as initiatives in the K-12 and higher education sectors. For each initiative, the list includes a summary, link and contact information. more>>
Playbook for Green Neighborhoods and Buildings
The Playbook provides local governments with guidance and resources to rapidly advance green buildings, neighborhoods and infrastructure. more>>
Green Home Guide
The U.S. Green Building Council’s Green Home Guide website includes resources on what makes a home green, green home programs, living green, REGREEN remodeling guidelines, and news and events. more>>
Build Green Schools
Build Green Schools is the place to start making a change in your community. This site provides information to learn what makes green schools better for students; learn about the congressional Green Schools Caucus; learn about LEED, the national benchmark for high-performance schools; find videos, research, case studies and other resources; and read the most recent green schools news. more>>
