How The USGBC just cranked up the Green in Florida
The next phase of evolution for green building design
As you may know, CSA joined the USGBC in 2002 and we have been members ever since. Our staff began to become individual members of the USGBC when chapters began to be formed in Florida in 2003-2004. Currently, our entire staff are members or the USGBC Florida Chapter.
Maybe you've heard… the Florida Chapter is a new USGBC entity, and I have the skinny on why and how it formed.
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What's new
The 7 existing Chapters of the USGBC have recently merged into one, statewide USGBC chapter. The 7 existing Board of Directors have been dissolved and a single Board of Directors has been appointed, which is made up of one representative from each of the prior existing chapters, and I happen to actually be one of those founding 7 board members, representing the Florida Gulf Chapter.
This is an important step forward, because the existing former chapter boards and the many branches will continue to function, hold elections, and govern themselves as part of the larger organization, but they will be unencumbered by the organizational and administrative functions of running the organization itself.
What's notable
USGBC Florida currently has 3 paid staff. The primary mission of the organization remains education, with most of its work in the past focused on sustainable buildings. Last month, the 7 Board members appointed Four (4) additional board members, to bring the board up to 11 people, and four more will be elected by the Florida Chapter membership in 2016.
The big picture
It is a critical time in the evolution of the Florida USGBC. I see this as an opportunity to redefine the organization and make it more effective in delivering its mission. For me, I participate because I want to have a greater positive impact on sustainability in Florida, beyond my ability to design individual structures in my community, and this gives me greater reach and influence for supporting this great cause.
It also brings more diversity, and creates a board of professionals with much-needed skills. I feel one key will be to introduce the ideas of social and economic equity and overall well-being into the mix as the reasons WHY we exist.
Raising the level of consciousness of our members and stakeholders could be the tipping point.
I think the State USGBC organization, its membership, stakeholders, governments in Florida, and citizens of Florida can all benefit by having increased awareness of the issue that are critical to Florida’s future. For the implementers (the USGBC volunteers) my hope is they feel appreciated, recharged and feel that they have a purpose that really makes a meaningful difference in their communities and for a greater good.
CONCLUSION:
There are many forces acting in our state these days. Negative impacts could be green washing, exploitation by commercial interests, political retaliation, and/or increased social and economic inequalities. But there is an opportunity to make a difference and provide leadership that understands the past but wants to redesign and replace the old organization with its next generation.
I think a statewide USGBC has a lot of potential to influence/advocate for good for all in the state. What do you think?
IInterested in receiving an architectural design consultation from Carlson Studio Architecture, one of the founding members of USGBC in Florida?
