Membership and About Us
Chapters are the local voice of the USGBC, and Chapter members are the grassroots keys to raising awareness about green building. Chapter membership provides excellent networking opportunities; the chance to serve on committees and help shape our region’s future green efforts; and members-only discounts for Chapter members on the many educational events (including Branch meetings) that are hosted by the Chapter.
As with all USGBC Chapters, the South Florida group is a nonprofit (501[c][3]) organization.
Our Branches hold monthly meetings and/or events for our members, in 
addition to hosting,
per above, LEED workshops and other terrific educational opportunities. Another key ingredient is also found in abundance at Chapter and Branch meetings -- a great deal of fun and that very special camaraderie that exists when passionate individuals work together toward a common, worthwhile goal.
An individual may join the USGBC South Florida Chapter in one of three membership categories:
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As a Chapter Member ($65)
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As an Emerging Professional ($55)
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As an employee of a National USGBC company ($45.50)
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As a Student Member ($26)
A former member of the Chapter may renew their membership in any of the above-noted categories. Click "renew" above for instructions on how to access your existing membership record.
Membership dues for a Chapter Member are in addition to the USGBC membership dues paid by an individual's company, organization, government employer or professional society.
Because there are two organizations -- the National USGBC (in Washington, DC) and the South Florida Chapter, membership can be a little confusing. In essence, companies join at the National level and individuals join at the local Chapter level. Chapter membership allows any individual, regardless of whether or not his/her company is a National member, to affiliate with the USGBC and take advantage of local Chapter benefits. So, in essence, USGBC membership is split. As such, joining at solely the Chapter level does not allow the corporate entity to be represented, and joining solely at the National level does not convey Chapter membership to individuals. Employees of National companies are, however, eligible for discounted Chapter membership dues (see first bullet above).
A Student Member is an individual enrolled as a full-time student at a local college or university.
Benefits
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Listing in the USGBCSF Green Building Pages, our hardcopy membership directory -- click on the image at right to review the 2009-2010 edition.
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Business Opportunities -- Share in business leads developed through nearly 100 Chapter activities annually, including thrice-monthly Branch educational meetings.
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Calendar -- Stay up to date on green development issues and activities in South Florida.
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Programs -- Free and/or discounted admission to programs and special events hosted by the
Chapter, including 3-5 Branch-generated programs each month.
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Branches -- Where the green-building pedal hits the metal! Involvement at these grassroots, GREENworking-heavy sessions is one of the most beneficial -- and fun -- components of membership.
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Exposure to and education about alternative design and construction methodologies.
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Voting -- Elect the volunteer leadership and vote on important Chapter issues.
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Eligibility for Board Membership -- Help set the agenda for green building in South Florida.
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Committee Participation -- Work toward making green building the standard in South Florida.
In essence, by joining the Chapter, you can stand up, be counted and make a difference with other South Florida residents, businesses and voters concerned with making meaningful changes in the way we build.
About Us
Between the Atlantic Ocean and the Everglades, land, water and resources are limited. If such valuable commodities are to be available to future generations, everything must be used as it is in nature -- with ingenuity and without waste. The US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED standards are tools to guide our progress toward the adoption of innovative building practices that conserve land, energy, water, resources and materials. Embracing that sound approach will yield buildings that are healthy, comfortable and affordable to occupy, as well as profitable to build and operate.
The USGBC South Florida Chapter, a nonprofit (501[c][3]) organization that is governed entirely by volunteers who serve without recompense, has three extremely active Branches under its organizational umbrella -- the Broward Branch, the Miami-Dade/Keys Branch, and the Treasure Coast/Palm Beach Branch. Our Chapter has nearly 800 dedicated members and would enthusiastically welcome you and your business to our group.
USGBC South Florida Chapter members are engaged in numerous educational and outreach activities, making a real difference in our community. It’s through the work of our volunteers on various committees at the three Branches that our Chapter's education and advocacy efforts flourish.
Branch activities range from our monthly education programs to instructive tours of green facilities, from social networking (e.g., Facebook, and LinkedIn) to green gatherings, from helping municipalities and school districts with their green initiatives to co-sponsorship of green conferences and events. Our Branches have educated local government officials and CEOs about sustainability, brought in high-profile speakers for important conferences, celebrated the holidays together, worked with children and educators to teach green principles, sponsored study sessions for eager students ... and much more.
Please consider attending a meeting of one of our Branches and getting involved with an initiative of interest at this rewarding grassroots level. Or just come to our meetings and learn from and be inspired by our top-shelf speakers and passionate members. Become part of the solution by helping educate, enlighten and empower our South Florida region to adopt an approach to building that is both ecologically and economically sustainable.
Our Chapter is supported by membership dues and contributions. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors and donors whose generous support makes our programs and activities possible. Be sure to visit our donors/sponsors page to learn how you can participate at this important level (and receive abundant reciprocal benefits in addition to your tax-deductible contribution), and also please take a minute to view those current members of our Donors Circle who are walking the green walk in our South Florida Community.
Our Goals
* To inspire consumers, designers, builders and regulators to under-stand, appreciate, practice and support green building through educational programs, case studies and sustainable materials.
* To educate the public, local govern-ments, and design and construction profes-sionals regarding sustainable design,
sustainable materials,
sustainable construction methods, and the environmental and economic benefits of
green building.
* To encourage, sponsor and support individuals and organizations that provide education about green building in the region and beyond.
Our Bylaws
To review our nonprofit organization's Bylaws, click here.
Our Policies
Our Strategic Plan
To review our Chapter's latest Strategic Plan, click here.
Our Membership Survey
To review our Chapter's latest Membership Survey results, click here.