The Wisconsin Green Building Alliance, which has been independent for much of the past 16 years, is becoming a local office for the U.S. Green Building Council.
The Milwaukee-based organization promotes awareness of sustainable building practices through programs including annual awards recognizing newly built projects, as well as community and educational projects like the 30x30 Nature Challenge and the Green Apple Day of Service program.
The 22-year-old U.S. Green Building Council, based in Washington, D.C., is responsible for certifying green buildings under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, initiative.
Rob Zimmerman, president of the Wisconsin organization, called the move to integrate with the 22-year-old national organization "a strategic business decision which will allow us to enhance our operations and strengthen our focus on Wisconsin-based education and advocacy about the built environment."
As a result of the change, back-office functions will be handled by the national organization, freeing up the alliance's two employees to focus on local initiatives.
According to a news release, WGBA members will have increased access to professional education programs and certifications. "As an integrated chapter of USGBC we will have more time to focus on our mission and mission related projects & programming," said Korinne Haeffel, the alliance's executive director, in an email to members and Facebook post.
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