General
Q How is Urban Green Council different from the U.S. Green Building Council?
A
Urban Green Council is the New York Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which is based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to advance the sustainability of urban buildings through education, advocacy and research.
A non-profit organization established in 2002, Urban Green is a separate nonprofit from the USGBC. We are funded separately, by our members, sponsors and foundations. Our in-house experts and a dedicated network of volunteers are helping to transform the built environment in New York City with models that can be replicated in urban centers nationwide.
Q Can Urban Green Council help with my LEED professional credential or my LEED project?
A
Urban Green Council offers educational events related to LEED, but does not manage LEED credentials or project certification. Both of these programs are centrally administered by USGBC and the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), and we do not have access to their records.
For more information on LEED, please visit USGBC.org. The USGBC Help Center has answers to common questions and other useful information.
Q Can I use the Urban Green Council logo on my business card, website, etc.?
A
No, our logo can only be used on our own documents and website. Neither members nor sponsors may use our logo on their materials without express permission; for more information, please contact communications@urbangreencouncil.org.
Q How can I get involved with Urban Green Council?
A
The most immediate ways that you can get involved are to become a member, attend events and sign up for our weekly newsletter.
You can also find volunteer opportunities here.
Membership
Q How do I become a member?
Q My company has a corporate membership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Does that mean I’m also considered a member of Urban Green?
A
No; however, it does qualify you for a membership discount. Employees of a USGBC member company can become a core member or Urban Green for $75. Find out if your company is a member of USGBC in their Member Directory.
While USGBC National’s member base is comprised of companies, Urban Green Council’s membership is comprised of individuals. Learn more about membership here.
Q I receive the Urban Green Weekly newsletter. Does that mean I’m a member?
A
Not necessarily. Signing up for the newsletter is free, and you can do so without being a member. If you’re unsure of your membership status, check your membership status here.
Q If I'm a member, does that mean that my company is a member?
A
No, membership with Urban Green Council is only for individuals. Your company may be a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, which entitles you to a discounted Urban Green membership. If your company is interested in supporting Urban Green Council, they can become a sponsor.
Q What is the Emerging Professionals group?
A
A program of the USGBC, the Emerging Professionals bolster the careers of young professionals from a range of disciplines through networking opportunities and hands-on leadership experience. The program equips participants with the tools they need to succeed as leaders of their organizations, their communities and the sustainability movement. EP offers a fresh, innovative perspective to Urban Green Council and helps secure the future of green building by maintaining a pipeline of passionate, competent leaders.
Q Who can join the Emerging Professionals?
Q Membership includes reduced or free admission to Urban Green events. How many are there per year?
A
We hold over 50 events every year, with regular monthly programming as well as special events all year long; most provide GBCI and AIA credit. Check out our calendar of events to see what’s planned.
Q How do I receive GBCI and AIA credits for attending Urban Green events?
A
When you register for our events online, you’ll have the option to indicate that you’d like to receive credits. For AIA credits, enter your AIA number into the designated box.
There is also an Urban Green representative at all events with a sign-up sheet for those who would like to receive credits.
Leed
Q How does the LEED Building Rating System work and what are its benefits?
A
USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is a voluntary, consensus-based standard to support and certify successful green building design, construction and operations.
Under the point-based system, projects must satisfy certain prerequisites and earn LEED points that meet specific green building criteria in six categories:
- Sustainable Sites
- Water Efficiency
- Energy & Atmosphere
- Materials & Resources
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Innovation in Design (projects can earn points for green building innovations).
As a third-party validation of a building’s performance, LEED helps transform the market through a certification system that promotes integrated, whole-building design practices. LEED certified projects cost less to operate and maintain; are energy- and water-efficient; have higher lease-up rates than conventional buildings; are healthier and safer for occupants; and physically demonstrate the values of the organizations that own and occupy them.
LEED building certification is centrally managed by the USGBC. Find out more here.
Q What is a LEED Professional, and how do I become one?
A
A LEED professional credential from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) signifies that you are an active participant in the green building movement. LEED professionals provide expertise on the design, construction, operations and maintenance of buildings and neighborhoods that save energy and resources, reduce pollution and contribute to healthier environments for their occupants and the community.
LEED professional credentials are centrally managed by the USGBC in Washington DC. Find out more here.
Q What is the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI)?
A
Established in 2008 by the USGBC, GBCI is a third-party organization that provides independent oversight of LEED professional credentialing and project certification.
Visit GBCI's website for information about:
- LEED building certification and rating systems
- LEED project directory
- LEED professional credentials and exam process
- LEED Continuing Education requirements
Q How many LEED certified/registered projects are there in New York City?
A
GBCI keeps a regularly updated list of the registered LEED projects in New York City. For more information, please see the LEED Project Directory.