USGBC Greater Virginia: About

Goals

In order to achieve USGBC’s mission of transforming the way our buildings are designed, constructed and operated, USGBC Greater Virginia engages both our membership and the community in a variety of educational, social and volunteer-centered initiatives and events.

Initiatives

Education series

Each month, we offer our members and guests the opportunity to network, engage and learn. By attending events such as tours of green buildings and presentations given by expert speakers, members are able to stay up to date on green building opportunities and technology, earn GBCI continuing education credits and meet like-minded professionals in a variety of fields. Topics focus on the development of more sustainable, healthy and energy-efficient buildings and communities, using the LEED rating system as a framework.

• Visit our events calendar for a list of upcoming education opportunities in our hubs of Richmond, Charlottesville and Roanoke.
• Have a presentation you’d like to share? Email us with program details.
• Join the Program Planning Committees

Connect the Dots Green Schools Program

The Connect the Dots Green Schools Program challenges schools across Virginia to make strides toward sustainability. Each participating school is matched with a volunteer mentor in the green building field to facilitate creative and effective schoolwide sustainability initiatives.

Projects aim to lower maintenance costs, improve the learning environment for students and staff and conserve natural resources. Mentors and participating schools are encouraged to incorporate hands-on project activities and outcomes into their curriculum for the year, promoting STEM education objectives. Projects may also align with the Green Apple Day of Service, an international movement to encourage sustainability-oriented volunteering. Participating schools are acknowledged for their achievements at an annual awards program in the spring.

• Learn more about the Connect the Dots Green Schools Program and Challenge Entry
• Learn more about the Green Apple Day of Service
• Join the Green Schools Committee

Advocacy

We advocate at both the state and local level for sustainable building policy and legislation. Topics of interest include use of the LEED rating system, sustainable building codes, community resiliency, energy efficiency and renewable energy.

• Learn more about advocacy and how you can get involved
• Join the Advocacy Committee

Local leadership

Cindy Zork, Director, Community—USGBC Virginia and West Virginia

Donna Wilgus, Project Manager, Community—USGBC Virginia

2017 Market Leadership Advisory Board

The USGBC Greater Virginia Market Leadership Advisory Board is a volunteer leadership group that works with USGBC community staff to guide local strategy in support of USGBC’s local, regional and global goals.

• Tom Burke, MLAB Co-Chair, President/Owner, Architectural Systems of Virginia, Richmond
• Mark Laity-Snyder, MLAB Vice-Chair, Engineer, Energy Economics, Inc., Ferrum
• Kim Hardy Lombard, MLAB Secretary, Architect, AECOM, Roanoke
• Karin Miller, Sustainable RVA, Richmond
• Denise McFadden, Marketing Director, 2rw, Charlottesville
• Bo Fairlamb, Architect, BCWH, Richmond
• J. D. Best, Engineer, Spectrum Design, Roanoke
• Corie Baker, Architect, Gresham, Smith and Partners, Richmond
• Arthur Kay, Director, Carverponics & RVA Createspace, Richmond
• Chris Sonne, Senior Project Manager, Draper Aden Associates, Richmond