August 13, 2007—The World Green Building Council (WGBC) reports that sustainable building groups are forming in four different countries.
In Germany, more than 40 members of construction industry have joined forces to create the German Sustainable Building Council to certify green building projects. The German branch will follow the same principles as the WorldGBC and serve as the country’s primary sustainable authority. It will identify and promote methods and solutions for the planning, construction, and utilization of buildings.
Goals include value protection, resource preservation, and the improvement of the local environment. The council will issue a quality label for owners and users certifying that the buildings comply with the sustainable criteria. The criteria will focus on the entire life-cycle of properties, not just the construction phase. It will include factors such as environmental impact, health, and resource savings from the planning stage through building utilization.
The WorldGBC welcomed delegates from the ArgentinaGBC at its 7th International Congress in Canada, where the delegates reported on the significant steps the council has taken recently. WorldGBC says it “shares in the enthusiasm demonstrated by this spectacular group” and looks forward to assisting as ArgentinaGBC develops its organizational structure and implements a rating tool and education strategy.
The WorldGBC also welcomed the Green Building Council do Brasil (GBCBrasil) as its newest Emerging Member Council. GBCBrasil was formed through the joint efforts of business groups focused on the benefits of environmentally sustainable building practices and on the development of a rating tool and certification program. The Council reportedly enjoys broad support from all sectors of industry, government, and academia. The WorldGBC says it is “delighted” with the progress of GBCBrasil and is looking forward to welcoming the Council as a full member shortly.
According to the WorldGBC, Vietnam is also in the early stages of forming a sustainable building council.
