CaGBC ORC – A Year in Review

 

I have been blessed to volunteer with the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) regional chapters, both in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa Region, over the past 5 years. My spirit has been enriched through shared passion, education, and collective action.

The CaGBCs mission is to ‘lead and accelerate the transformation to high-performing, healthy green buildings, homes and communities throughout Canada’.

Buildings are the largest contributor of human caused green house gases. Sustainable buildings add value in many ways – from lower environmental impacts (increased waste diversion, and reduced energy and water consumption), better occupant health and productivity, reduced operating expenses, to top talent acquisition and retention. Living, working, and playing in green buildings should be a top priority for those who care about the environment, their health, or their wallet.

This past year, I had the pleasure of being the President of the CaGBC Ottawa Region Chapter (CaGBC ORC). We had a brilliant team of dedicated volunteers, who worked together to create tangible positive changes including:

• Ten high value and well attended green building events (including green building seminars, building tours, networking, LEED credential training, and community education and outreach)
• Launched new CaGBC ORC website (600% increase in monthly views), with a new Industry Expert Blog (~2,000 views per article)
• Increased Social Media reach (500+ people) {You can find the CaGBC ORC on twitter, LinkedIN and facebook}
• Increased membership (<100 to >150) and membership benefits (including terra20 savings for change program)
• Expanded Emerging Green Builder Group to include School Groups
• Continued to build strong partnerships (Post Secondary schools, environmental groups, building associations, government).

It never ceases to amaze me what a dedicated team of people can accomplish, when heads and hearts combine to form action. The ripple effects of the work done this past year, are likely much larger than even I can imagine. I wanted to personally thank all those who devoted their time, energy, enthusiasm, and intellect to further green buildings in Canada over this past year.

You are changing the world. Never stop.

For those interested in how they can get involved: Check out CaGBC, USGBC, or World GBC for volunteer opportunities in your region. If you want to find out how you can start making changes in your own home, you can review my Home Energy Project. I challenge you to inquire at buildings you frequent (such as your place of work, community center, school, shopping center) if any sustainable building initiatives have been pursued – advocate for changes if they have not, give recognition if they have.

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