VOTE! Help elect Chris Studney for the USGBC National Board of Directors
Jones Lang LaSalle Green Blog
By Chris Studney, Jones Lang LaSalle Energy and Sustainability Services
In the 15 years I’ve been working to reduce energy consumption and costs, the idea of a green building has evolved from being considered something exotic to being a key focus for virtually every owner. One of the single biggest forces driving that evolution may be the development and refinement of U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED rating system. Owners need a comprehensive, consistent way to measure and rate the level of energy and sustainability they can claim for their buildings, and LEED is the best ways to do that.
LEED’s continued success is based on USGBC’s ability to adapt the system, using an open, consensus based process. Weaknesses identified in earlier versions have been addressed in recent years, and the criteria for certification have become tougher as owners vie to make their buildings greener than their neighbors.
USGBC success has come with criticism from many quarters, including its own practitioners. For example, some critics claimed that energy played too big a part in the early LEED NC (new construction) scoring system, while others said energy’s role was too small. And so on.
I believe in the USGBC mission, particularly when it comes to my primary area of expertise: energy efficiency and carbon emission reductions. Having spent the last 5 years as a USGBC chapter leader, one of them as board chair for the USGBC Charlotte Region Chapter, I have had an opportunity to help address some of the criticism, as well as shape green building and sustainability efforts within our region. I am now running for a USGBC national Board of Director’s seat to expand my influence and to provide valuable input on real market issues that impact key energy components of the LEED rating system. LEED is much better today than it was six years ago, and my goal is to ensure it is better six years from now.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
If you work for a USGBC member company, I encourage you to vote for me prior to October 2nd. Click here to be taken directly to the ballot page.
Thank you in advance for your support!
P.S. Spread the word and share my nomination profile with your local USGBC chapter, clients, and associates who are involved with USGBC!
