The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) was founded in 1993 with the goal of promoting sustainable building design and operation. It spearheaded the creation of a rating system for the environmental friendliness of buildings and neighborhoods, organizes conferences on sustainable development, and generally promotes the green building industry.

It is not a government agency. It is a private, nonprofit organization. It has 78 local affiliates, more than 18,000 member organizations, and more than 140,000 LEED AP credential holders. For their own description of their organization, visit their Web site.

Among the organization’s projects are the LEED Green Building Rating System™, educational programs, the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, and an ongoing program of advocacy for green building practices. Their Emerging Professionals program helps provide education and resources for future leaders in the green building industry.