About Delaware valley green building council
Delaware Valley Green Building Council: Transforming the Way We Build and Operate Buildings
The Delaware Valley Green Building Council (DVGBC) is a non-profit organization that aims to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated. Through education, advocacy, and strategic initiatives, DVGBC informs and engages individuals and organizations to promote sustainable building practices in the Delaware Valley region.
Founded in 2001, DVGBC has been at the forefront of promoting green building practices in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. The organization is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which is a national non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in building design, construction, and operation.
DVGBC's mission is to promote sustainable building practices by providing education on green building principles; advocating for policies that support sustainable development; facilitating collaboration among stakeholders; and recognizing excellence in green building through certification programs.
Education
One of DVGBC's primary goals is to provide education on green building principles. The organization offers a variety of educational programs for professionals in the construction industry as well as for students interested in pursuing careers related to sustainability.
DVGBC offers several professional development courses that cover topics such as LEED certification (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design), energy efficiency strategies, renewable energy systems, water conservation techniques, indoor air quality management strategies, waste reduction methods etc. These courses are designed to help professionals stay up-to-date with current trends while also providing them with practical skills they can apply on their job sites.
In addition to professional development courses,DVGBC also provides educational resources for K-12 schools through its "Green Schools" program. This program helps schools implement sustainable practices such as recycling programs or energy-efficient lighting systems while also educating students about environmental issues.
Advocacy
Another important aspect of DVGBC's work involves advocating for policies that support sustainable development. The organization works closely with local and state governments to promote policies that encourage green building practices.
DVGBC has been instrumental in promoting the adoption of LEED certification standards in Philadelphia. The organization has worked with city officials to develop incentives for developers who incorporate sustainable design features into their projects. DVGBC also advocates for policies that support renewable energy development, such as solar or wind power.
Collaboration
DVGBC recognizes that promoting sustainable building practices requires collaboration among stakeholders. The organization works closely with architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and other professionals in the construction industry to promote sustainability.
DVGBC hosts regular networking events where professionals can share ideas and best practices related to green building. The organization also collaborates with other non-profit organizations such as the Delaware Riverkeeper Network or the Pennsylvania Environmental Council to promote environmental stewardship throughout the region.
Certification Programs
Finally,DVGBC recognizes excellence in green building through its certification programs. These programs provide recognition for buildings that meet certain sustainability criteria.
The most well-known certification program offered by DVGBC is LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design). This program provides a framework for designing and constructing buildings that are environmentally responsible while also being economically viable and healthy places to live or work.
Conclusion
The Delaware Valley Green Building Council is an important organization dedicated to promoting sustainable building practices throughout Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. Through education, advocacy, collaboration,and certification programs,DVGBC is helping transform the way we build and operate buildings while also protecting our environment for future generations.