Canadian Green Building Council launched

On July 31, 2003, a reception in Vancouver, B.C. launched the Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC). The Council was formed in response to the rapid growth and expansion of green building within the country.

Canadian and international officials from government, non-profit and building industry sectors, including leaders from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and World Green Building Council were on hand for the celebration.

The USGBC worked with the Greater Vancouver Regional District, City of Vancouver, BC Hydro and Terasen Gas to develop green standards similar to the USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System(TM) (LEED(TM)). CaGBC will unveil plans for promoting and expanding local green
building initiatives utilizing the more cost-effective LEED adaptation.

The LEED(TM) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary third-party rating system where credits are earned for satisfying specified green building criteria. Projects are
evaluated within five environmental categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor
environmental quality.

Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels of green
building certification are awarded based on the total credits earned. The LEED standard has been adopted nationwide by federal agencies, state and local
governments, and interested private companies as the industry standard of measurement for green building.

FOr further information, contact Theresa Peyton at 202-828-1143