Mission
As buildings fundamentally impact peoples’ lives and the health of the planet, our mission is to create a positive impact on the region’s built environment. Through the consensus process, and by drawing on the experience of stakeholders in the building industry, we will:

1.Promote cost effective design, construction and operation of buildings that are healthy places to live and work, environmentally responsible, and profitable.
2.Serve the James River Green Building Council members and our communities through development of industry standards, design practices and technologies, green building and design policy advocacy, information exchange, and education.
3.Encourage a widespread acceptance of LEED certified buildings as the regional standard.

The James River Green Building Council (JRGBC) wants to create a positive impact on the region’s built environment by accelerating the adoption of green building practices, technologies, policies, and standards. We endeavor to move the green building industry forward with market-based solutions. The chapter’s membership is open and balanced and will be comprised of leaders and visionaries from all segments of the building industry, including product manufacturers, environmental organizations, building owners, building professionals, utilities, city government, research institutions, professional societies and universities. This type of representation provides a unique, integrated platform. The chapter’s growth and acceptance has grown with the following goals and strategies as a guiding framework.

History
Beginning in October 2001, a small group of concerned Members from various Richmond design firms engaged in regular meetings to discuss a range of topics within the building industry, with particular focus on environmental and social issues. In the Fall of 2003, discussions were directed toward formation of a local chapter of the USGBC. In late Fall a decision was made to proceed with chapter formation. The members attended monthly meetings to discuss specific chapter goals and establish chapter vision/mission goals through the Winter months into 2004, gaining endorsement from the members to establish a foundation for the James River Chapter.

Chapters of the USGBC
The US Green Building Council was formed in 1993 in an effort to meet building industry needs and provide a single entity to encourage integration, leadership, and education. This consensus-based group of building professionals has fulfilled this need, becoming the center for action on environmental issues facing the industry’s multiple interests. The USGBC also recognized the potential for tapping into local grass-roots efforts by allowing the development of local Chapters. Members of the US Green Building Council in the James River Region of Central Virginia want to establish a firm foundation of support for promoting and encouraging environmentally sound practices.

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