World Green Building Week for building councils worldwide

International green building councils are celebrating World Green Building Week with events around the world that highlight the crucial role of buildings in conserving resources and improving energy efficiency.

The week, organised by the World Green Building Council, has united 90 countires and more than 20,000 organisations as they hold conferences, tours and educational events that celebrate this year’s theme, “Green Buildings for Great Communities.”

The week highlights the role of the 'green' built environment in creating healthier communities and more energy efficient municipalities, and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is leading these efforts through events promoting green, resilient buildings.

Activities include a high-level panel session on “Cities and Climate Change Adaptation: What We Can Learn About Resilience from Those Living on the Edge,”  which was co-hosted by CHF International. The panel featured Judy Baker, lead economist in the Urban Practice at the World Bank Institute; Brian English, director of program innovation for CHF International; Aram Khachadurian, an international development consultant; Helen Santiago Fink, urban climate change advisor for USAID; and Janice Perlman, an independent scholar, teacher and consultant. The panel discussed the importance of resiliency in safeguarding communities and economies with an emphasis on the developing world.

Awareness activities for Project Haiti Orphanage & Children’s Center, which is helping children and families facing ongoing devastation following the earthquake of January 2010 and creating a replicable, resilient model for rebuilding. Together with dedicated pro bono design partner HOK, Project Haiti will tell many Haitian children that their lives are valued, they deserve to breathe clean air, they have the right to live in comfort and they are cared about.

Preparation and promotion for the Center for Green Schools at USGBC’s first ever Green Apple Day of Service taking place on Sept. 29. For one day, advocates from around the world, including students, teachers, parents and elected officials, as well as international green building councils, USGBC staff, chapters, member companies and more, will come together in support of healthy, sustainable schools by taking action in their communities.