The Greenbuild Conference taking place in Denver this week has drawn big names, big attendance, and big goals. The race to reduce CO2 emissions quickly and effectively has resulted in some key initiatives by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) as well as from the Clinton Climate Initiative. USGBC's mission calls for "immediate and measurable reduction in CO2 emissions" around the globe, and during Wednesday morning's keynote address, Rick Fedrizzi, president of the USGBC announced some key initiatives and partnerships.

1. The 50% CO2 reduction goal
Beginning in 2007 all new commercial LEED projects will be required to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% when compared to current emission levels.

2. Increased energy reduction prerequisites in LEED
All commercial LEED projects registered after the date of member approval of this change must achieve at least two energy and optimization credits.

3. Implementation of a carbon dioxide offset program
USGBC will develop an innovative carbon dioxide offset program that relies on the verified performance data from LEED projects.

4. Continuous process improvement incentives
ALL LEED for New construction and Core and Shell buildings that reach certification will automatically (at no cost) be registered for LEED for Existing Buildings.

5. Certification fees rebates for Platinum buildings
In 2007, USGBC will fully rebate certification fees for Platinum buildings.

6. A carbon-neutral USGBC
By the end of 2007, USGBC as an organization will be 100% carbon neutral.

7. Portfolio Performance Program
The long-term goal of this program is to recognize companies for high environmental performance across their portfolios. The first step of this effort is to help companies achieve LEED certification quickly on a large number of buildings.

8. Carbon Reduction Education, and a Challenge to the Industry
USGBC will be launching an important new educational program designed specifically to help industry professionals gain the knowledge they need to apply design and construction practices that are energy efficient and have immediate and measurable impact on CO2 emissions.

9. Partnership with Autodesk to "Democratize Sustainability"
USGBC signed a collaboration agreement with Autodesk to partner on technology initiatives to transform the practice of sustainable design and reduce causes of climate change through expanded use of building information modeling. Specifically they are working to incorporate software that will allow designers and architects to determine the CO2 footprint of a building during the design phase.

10. Partnership with Enterprise Community Foundation
USBGC is partnering with Enterprise Community Foundation to develop green affordable housing.

11. Partnership with Clinton Climate Initiative
USGBC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) to engage the largest cities in the world through the Large Cities Climate Leadership Group and provide them with the tools to become leaders in energy efficiency and green building strategies, which will result in the reduction of carbon emissions.  USGBC will provide technical assistance and expertise in green building practices, engaging the World Green Building Council (WGBC), and mobilizing leading green building experts from around the globe with the goal of increasing the inventory of green buildings around the world.

Ira Magaziner, chairman of the Clinton Climate Initiative spoke in more detail about the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI). As major cities produce 25% of greenhouse gases, CCI is engaging the 40 largest cities worldwide to reduce CO2 emissions by 70-80% in 10 years. CCI will focus on providing technical assistance and bargaining power to the participating cities, all with area populations of 3 million or more, employing the same model it has used to lower the price of AIDS medicine for poorer countries. The three key deliverable are:

1) Improving green purchasing power by organizing a purchasing consortium for all cities.

2) Mobilizing and deploying technical expertise in all the participating cities.

3) Implementing common measurement tools in the areas of buildings, power and water; and transportation. 

The final speaker, William McDonough, gave one of his last speeches, as he is taking a hiatus from public speaking over the next year in order to focus on his architectural and planning projects. His insightful and inspiring talk included topics ranging from goat skin tents in Jordan, nuclear (solar) power, the Bill of Rights, and his "cradle to cradle" philosophy, but culminated in the design goal to "Love all of the children of all species for all time" and the imperative to reduce carbon emissions.

More info at:
Greenbuild Denver Blog
Greenbuild Denver Expo
Clinton Climate Initiative