The green building community is celebrating World Green Building Week with events around the globe that shine a spotlight on the key role of buildings in conserving resources, saving money and creating jobs while providing healthier places to live, learn, work and play. Organized by the World Green Building Council, the week has united 90 nations representing more than 20,000 organizations as they hold conferences, tours, educational events and gatherings that celebrate this year's theme, "Green Buildings for Great Communities."
World Green Building Week highlights the role of green buildings in creating greener and healthier neighborhoods, communities and cities, and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is leading efforts nationally through events promoting green, resilient buildings and highlighting those who benefit most, our children.
"World Green Building Week is an important opportunity to educate communities around the world about the many benefits of green buildings-from human and environmental health to resilient infrastructure and robust economies," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair of USGBC and Chair of the World Green Building Council. "We also want to draw attention to the next generation and address the importance of healthy, sustainable learning and living environments."
USGBC's World Green Building Week activities include:
- A high-level panel on "Cities and Climate Change Adaptation: What We Can Learn About Resilience from Those Living on the Edge," co-hosted by CHF International. The panel featured Judy Baker, lead economist in the Urban Practice at the World Bank Institute; Brian English, director of program innovation for CHF International; Aram Khachadurian, an international development consultant; Helen Santiago Fink, urban climate change advisor for USAID; and Janice Perlman, an independent scholar, teacher and consultant. The panel discussed the importance of resiliency in safeguarding communities and economies with an emphasis on the developing world.
- Awareness activities for Project Haiti Orphanage & Children's Center, which is helping children and families facing ongoing devastation following the earthquake of January 2010 and creating a replicable, resilient model for rebuilding. Together with dedicated pro bono design partner HOK, Project Haiti will tell many Haitian children that their lives are valued, they deserve to breathe clean air, they have the right to live in comfort and they are cared about. For more information, visit usgbc.org/haiti.
- Preparation and promotion for the Center for Green Schools at USGBC's first ever Green Apple Day of Service taking place on Sept. 29. For one day, advocates from around the world, including students, teachers, parents and elected officials, as well as international green building councils, USGBC staff, chapters, member companies and more, will come together in support of healthy, sustainable schools by taking action in their communities. For more information, visit mygreenapple.org.
For more information on World Green Building Week, visit worldgbc.org.
