:With more than 100 projects under way around the state seeking LEED certification, the two latest initiatives by the U.S. Green Building Council, which signal commitment to organizational excellence, are good news for designers and contractors in Texas with an interest in green building.

USGBC Announces New Alliances

The U.S. Green Building Council recently announced that it filed an application with the American National Standards Institute to become an ANSI-accredited national standards developer for standards related to green building practices.

According to the USGBC, Texas is ranked as the sixth state in the U.S. by project volume with more than 100 projects seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accreditation.

"Since its beginnings more than a decade ago, USGBC has used a consensus process to develop the LEED Green Building Rating System," said USGBC president, CEO and founding chairman Rick Fedrizzi. "Becoming ANSI-accredited will underscore USGBC's commitment to its core values, which include openness, inclusiveness and collaboration. It is also part of the continual improvement of USGBC."

In tandem with its ANSI filing, USGBC also announced an amendment to its bylaws to expand USGBC's membership to include trade and professional associations.

"Opening our membership to professional and trade associations that represent different communities within our diverse industry will only strengthen our ability to lead the transformation of the built environment," said Fedrizzi. "It allows us to more fully engage our long-time partners in green building; it gives us greater access to the knowledge and experience of those who make the materials used in buildings; and it underscores our deep commitment to openness of new ideas, balance among interests, and transparency in assessment and decision-making."

The stakes are high, Fedrizzi said, noting that the built environment has a profound impact on the natural environment, the economy and human health and productivity. According to the USGBC, in the United States, buildings account for 36 percent of total annual energy use, 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, 30 percent of raw materials use, and 12 percent of potable water consumption. Employing sustainable building practices can reduce the environmental impacts of buildings by conserving natural resources, reducing solid waste, and improving air quality; provide economic benefits by reducing energy costs and water bills; and provide health and community benefits by improving productivity, enhancing comfort and health, and reducing strain on local infrastructure.

"Americans spend 90 percent of our time indoors," Fedrizzi said. "We should be doing all we can, as fast as we can, to make sure our interior environments are healthy places that enhance our own and our children's ability to work, heal and learn. USGBC takes its leadership role in this effort seriously, and we feel these two initiatives will add to our momentum in moving the market forward."

AGC Texas Endorses Governor Perry

The Associated General Contractors - Texas Building Branch recently announced its endorsement of Governor Rick Perry for his 2006 reelection.

"The AGC Building Branch is excited to be a part of the team to reelect Governor Perry. Commercial building contractors throughout the state have benefited from his leadership in bringing new business to Texas," said Denward Freeman, president of the statewide association.

The AGC Building Branch is comprised of local chapters around Texas, with a membership of more than 3,500 firms.

"Because of Governor Perry's leadership, many new companies have moved to Texas and existing companies have been able to expand. This growth has led to an improved economy which has benefited not only our industry but all Texans," Freeman said. "Our association is pleased to support such an outstanding track record."

NAWIC Wins SMPS Award

The Society for Marketing Professional Services recently announced the winners of its 2005 Marketing Communication Awards. The annual competition recognizes firms for outstanding marketing and communications created by architectural, engineering, design and construction firms. Awards were announced at the annual SMPS conference held in New Orleans, La., in mid-August. More than 300 entries were submitted in 18 categories.

The National Association of Women in Construction submitted its magazine, The NAWIC IMAGE, which won first place in the magazine, small firm, category.