Phone: (503) 274-0448

Email: info@thegbi.org

“We were thrilled to share information about GBI's programs, and our board's subject matter expertise, with a wide array of Capitol Hill offices during this year's Washington, DC 'fly-in.’ We enjoyed the chance to underscore the good work we are doing and to serve as a resource for federal lawmakers as they work on industry-related issues. As staff, it's so rewarding to get to experience the depth of knowledge and commitment of our board members to supporting GBI's educational mission with policymakers on Capitol Hill.”
Jenna Hamilton, GBI’s VP of National Affairs

Promoting an Open Market

Coalitions:

• High Performance Buildings Coalition, Chair

• Healthy Buildings Roundtable, founding member, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

• Healthy Building Coalition

• Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in
  Higher Education (AASHE Advisory Committee)

• California Energy Alliance Government Affairs
  Working Group

GBI Board Members & Staff the second annual Hill Day.

GBI's VP of National Affairs, Jenna Morgan Hamilton, and
Emily Bowers, Sr. Director, State & Local Affairs on the Hill.

Congressional Briefing for High Performance Building Week,
sponsored by the High Performance Buildings Coalition.

Leading With Purpose: Recognizing Advocacy Impact

In December, John Lister received GBI’s 2024 Advocacy Ambassador Award for his leadership, having served as the Government Engagement Committee Chair for over 4 years. His outstanding advocacy for GBI has been seen through his impactful engagement with policymakers, promotion of key programs, and championing our mission to reduce climate impacts by improving the built environment. As Chair, he led several key initiatives, including the inaugural GBI Hill Day.

Advocacy In Action

GBI, represented by leaders from 7 states and the District of Columbia, celebrated its second annual ‘fly-in’ on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C in April 2024. Annually meeting with Congressional offices provides a unique opportunity to communicate how GBI is improving the built environment’s impact on climate and society throughout the United States.

One program highlighted in each meeting was our recently released Green Globes Journey to Net Zero™ certification. As each congressional office explores how to best decarbonize the built environment, it was rewarding to share how GBI is meeting all building owners where they are and guiding them through a transparent process to incorporate design, operations, and renewable energy strategies to reach net zero.

We are eager to be a resource to these federal lawmakers and look forward to continuing to amplify GBI and our work on Capitol Hill.

GBI supports choice and market competition for individuals and companies selecting a sustainable building certification to demonstrate compliance with local, state, and federal requirements. Green Globes for New Construction and Existing Buildings were once again recognized by the U.S. General Services Administration in their 2024 Green Building Certification Systems Review, which identifies systems that meet requirements for use by the federal government. Our Government Affairs team continued to build relationships, educate policymakers, and advocate for an open market to improve sustainability, health, and resilience in the built environment. Each community makes
a difference — from small towns to bustling urban cities.

2024 Highlights of GBI Policy & Advocacy Efforts:

Policy Recognition: Green Globes Journey to Net Zero™ gained multiple recognitions, including federal leasing requirements,
Chicago’s Sustainable Development Policy, and state-level data center and housing policies in Illinois and Michigan.

Federal Engagement: GBI actively engaged with federal agencies and the White House, influencing definitions and standards
for zero-emission buildings, sustainable materials, and data centers.

Strategic Partnerships: Expanded collaborations with the GSA, US Army Corps of Engineers, and participated in Department of
Defense infrastructure workshops.

Higher Ed & Housing: Achieved inclusion in the AASHE STARS program and secured Green Globes as a compliance path for
|FHA-financed mortgages and HUD skilled nursing facilities.

Advocacy & Outreach: Led events including Hill Day Training, the annual DC Fly-In, and High Performance Buildings
Week to elevate sustainable building policy conversations on Capitol Hill.

Phone: (503) 274-0448

Email: info@thegbi.org

Improving the Built Environment Through Educational
& Collaborative Assessment

GBI’s suite of third-party assessment and certification programs apply to all types of commercial real estate in all stages of a building’s lifecycle. Our best-in-class approach to dedicated service, personalized guidance, and interactive tools attracts a broad spectrum of users with unique objectives. We pride ourselves on the delivery of science-and consensus-based assessment tools through a transparent and supported process.

During our twentieth year, GBI surpassed 750 million square feet certified under Green Globes, Guiding Principles Compliance, and the newly released Green Globes Journey to Net Zero programs. GBI is accelerating the adoption of rigorous yet accessible assessment through delivery of standards, education, and community development. Having reached 500 million square feet certified just two years prior, GBI remains committed to growth via the success of our clients and collective improvement of the built environment.

Phone: (503) 274-0448

Email: info@thegbi.org

Program Updates

• ActiveScore

• UL 2821 GREENGUARD Certification Program Method for Measuring and Evaluating Chemical Emissions from Building Materials, Finishes and Furnishings, Edition 2, 2022, and

• ASHRAE 160-2016 Criteria for Moisture-Control Design Analysis in Buildings

Like each Green Globes program, Green Globes SI and CS allow project teams the opportunity to assess environmental impacts and guide sustainable, healthy, and resilient design via early and often feedback through the Green Globes criteria and a dedicated GGA.

In November, GBI announced the release of two updated certification programs: Green Globes for Sustainable Interiors 2024 and Green Globes for Core & Shell 2024. Both programs were informed by GBI’s ANSI standard (ANSI/GBI 01-2024: Green Globes Assessment Protocol for Design, New Construction, and Major Renovations). Both programs underwent extensive review by various subject matter experts, Green Globes Assessors (GGAs), and end users. Criteria have also been updated to align with new references, standards, and programs, including:

Green Globes for Sustainable Interiors (SI) focuses on the scope of an interior fit out project, emphasizing attainable and impactful design strategies. It includes a dual-pathway approach—using lifecycle assessment (LCA) or environmental product declarations (EPDs)—to create healthier, more productive spaces. 

Green Globes for Core & Shell (CS) focuses on the scope of a core and shell project, emphasizing attainable and impactful design strategies.

“GBI’s Green Globes Core & Shell and Sustainable Interior rating systems are proven programs adding to the sustainability continuum for owners and tenants. This update of the programs ensures that they continue to reflect the latest science and research while maintaining our commitment to deliver robust yet accessible certification options.”
Vicki Worden, GBI CEO

Phone: (503) 274-0448

Email: info@thegbi.org

Alignment with Federal Objectives

GBI supports federal building project teams with third-party assessment. GBI’s flagship programs, Guiding Principles Compliance for New Construction and DOD Guiding Principles Compliance for New Construction, are used by various agencies — including the Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard — to achieve compliance with the Guiding Principles and Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC).

In May, GBI released an updated Guiding Principles Compliance Professional (GPCP) training course. This program provides a comprehensive overview of the background and key elements of GBI's Guiding Principles Compliance program and assessment process. New sessions offer instruction for project teams on conducting a Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) and completing a Sustainability eNotebook. The course also covers updates to the DOD Guiding Principles Compliance for New Construction (DOD GPC NC) and Guiding Principles Compliance for Existing Buildings (GPC EB) programs.

Phone: (503) 274-0448

Email: info@thegbi.org

Over 100 million SF of commercial real estate participated in GBI's JNZ pilot program

Those who have reached Certified status include The Millenium Building, in Washington DC (Tower Companies) and Harka Headquarters in Portland, Ore. (Harka Architecture).

Empowering Decarbonization for All Buildings

For nearly two years, GBI has collaborated with SMEs, industry professionals, local jurisdictions, the federal government, and organizations pursuing climate targets to understand the needs of the market. It was evident that the commercial real estate industry was in need of a transparent assessment program, guided by an industry accepted definition of a net zero building, to evaluate progress towards net zero for all buildings, at any stage of the journey.

As a leading developer of building standards and green building certification systems, GBI developed Green Globes Journey to Net Zero™ to benchmark, assess, and guide the industry towards net zero energy and net zero carbon. 

The Green Globes Journey to Net Zero™ Energy & Carbon certification and recognition program leverages rigorous carbon accounting principles combined with the collaborative and transparent process to assess achievements in reducing energy requirements and carbon impacts.

Public Input Periods & Pilot Program 

GBI conducted three public input periods and a pilot program to collect industry feedback to create assessment methodology. The pilot program took place between July 2023 and November 2024 and included nearly 100 million square feet of real estate, including class A office portfolios, multifamily, stadiums, and mixed use. 

Clients Across Government & Industry

Individual assets in the pilot that met minimum requirements for energy efficiency were designated as ‘Recognized’ if they achieved a 50% or greater reduction in the EUI or CO2e footprint through the application of renewable energy or certified if they achieved a 100% reduction in footprint.

Green Globes Journey to Net Zero Pilot Program Outcomes

Empowering Decarbonization for All Buildings

Phone: (503) 274-0448

Email: info@thegbi.org

2023 Green Globes Project of the
Year Award Winners

Each year, GBI recognizes outstanding achievements in sustainable building through its Green Globes Project of the Year Awards. Projects teams are recognized for clearly demonstrating sustainability goals, integrating innovative technologies and practices, removing barriers, and effectively communicating features and practices to encourage tenant participation.

In 2024, GBI expanded its Project of the Year Awards to include four additional recognition categories: Energy Excellence, Leadership in Core & Shell, Adaptive Reuse
& Revitalization, and Carbon Reduction.  

As a result, seven exceptional Green Globes projects were honored in a virtual award ceremony during Earth Week, exemplifying sustainability, health, and resilience in the built environment.

Wake Technical Community College's Central Energy Plant is North Carolina’s first project to earn a prestigious Four Green Globes certification. The facility serves as the thermal energy hub, using a complex ground source heat pump system to efficiently heat and cool campus buildings. Beyond its functional role, the plant integrates educational opportunities showcasing color-coded mechanical systems with easily accessible and daylit spaces, allowing students to engage with and learn from its sustainable systems.

Wake Technical Community College's Central Energy Plant
Wendell, NC
Four Green Globes | Green Globes for New Construction

The Row Fulton Market
Chicago, IL
2023 Green Globes Project of the Year – Runner Up
Three Green Globes | Green Globes for New Construction

The Row Fulton Market, a 43-story residential building located in Chicago’s historic Fulton-Randolph Market District, reflects a holistic approach that Related Midwest brings to all its projects, encouraging energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of sustainable materials.

Oak Brook Commons Medical Office Building
Oak Brook, IL
Carbon Reduction
Two Green Globes | Green Globes for Core & Shell

The Oak Brook Commons Medical Office Building project team was recognized for its commitment to decision-making strategies that encompass life cycle thinking and the use of innovative carbon reduction strategies.

Dr. Vince Clinical Research Facility
Overland Park, KS
Adaptive Reuse & Revitalization
Two Green Globes | Green Globes for New Construction

Celebrated for its creativity, innovation, and awareness of community needs, this abandoned grocery store turned state
of the art medical facility was given new life using a sustainable approach while honoring the building’s past.

Fisher Industrial Park – North Building
Fairfield, OH
Leadership in Core & Shell
Three Green Globes | Green Globes for Core & Shell

Honored for its outside the “box” thinking, Fisher Industrial Park – North Building project team identified innovative opportunities for efficiency, demonstrated leadership in site selection and enhancement, implemented efficient energy sources, and set tenants up for success.

Annex of Bozeman
Bozeman, MT
Energy Excellence
Two Green Globes | Green Globes for Multifamily for New Construction

Recognized for its highly efficient design and operation of major systems, implementation of renewable energy sources, and encouragement of occupant participation, the Annex of Bozeman promotes energy efficiency through creative strategies, overcoming geographic obstacles, and commitment to tracking progress and improving performance.

Colorado Mesa University Foster Field House
Grand Junction, CO
2023 Green Globes Project of the Year – Honorable Mention
Two Green Globes | Green Globes for New Construction

The Colorado Mesa University Foster Field House is an innovative and sustainable transformation of a multi-functional sports, academic, and recreational facility. Providing instructional and physical education space for CMU’s Department of Kinesiology, the project team is credited with reducing operational carbon emissions by using the existing onsite geo-exchange system for heating and cooling.

Phone: (503) 274-0448

Email: info@thegbi.org

Phone: (503) 274-0448

Email: info@thegbi.org

Webinars and CEU Opportunities

Live GGEP training at Nova Scotia Community College led by GBI’s Director of Education & Events, Annie Snyder.

Support from our Organizational Members allows GBI to develop and deliver accessible and highly valuable education to our community. This year, GBI hosted six free webinars, including our first in Spanish, to provide resources to a global audience. We celebrated the success of women executives in March for International Women’s Month, provided guidance on leveraging ASHRAE’s Building Energy Quotient with Green Globes, hosted an innovative technology panel to advance sustainable data centers, introduced GBI’s Green Globes for New Construction 2024, and deciphered Financial Incentives to maximize sustainability impact for commercial and multifamily real estate.

Phone: (503) 274-0448

Email: info@thegbi.org

Director of Education & Events Annie Snyder (left) and Manager of Client Services and Engagement Katy Johnson (right)

Vicki Worden, GBI CEO as Keynote Speaker at the CSI National Conference in October.

Empowering Stakeholders through
Awareness & Education

GBI participated in over 50 industry events in the U.S., Canada, and France in 2024. Conferences, seminars, and roundtables covered topics including commercial real estate, digital infrastructure, decarbonization, resilience, healthcare, manufacturing, clean and renewable energy, and more.

GBI’s President & CEO, Vicki Worden, delivered the keynote address at CSI’s annual conference in October 2024, emphasizing the role of specifiers in material selection to promote decarbonization in the built environment. Attendance and participation in a variety of events allows GBI to connect with current and future community members, increase brand awareness, and promote accessible resources and third-party assessment.

Vantage Data Centers 
AZ11 — One Green Globes
Accepted by Brooke Hergott, Vice President, Tax, Global

Compass datacenters
PHX1 — Two Green Globes 
Accepted by Nancy Novak, Chief Innovation Officer

Aligned Data Centers
ORD02 — Three Green Globes
Accepted by Phill Lawson-Shanks, Chief Innovation Officer

GBI recognized three Green Globes certified data centers during a plaque presentation (from left to right):

Empowering Sustainable and Resilient Data Centers through Education & Community

In November, GBI hosted the first live credential training at Clemson University for civil engineering students and capital facilities professionals. The in-person training proved to be a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and skill enhancement, credentialling six new GGEPs and seven GGPs. Attendees immersed themselves in a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the latest trends and practices in sustainable design and construction. Clemson University’s commitment to excellence in education was evident throughout the training, leaving attendees equipped with valuable tools and welcoming them into the GBI community.

Podcasts & Recordings

Phone: (503) 274-0448

Email: info@thegbi.org

GBI’s Building Industry Advisory Council (BIAC)

Become A GBI Member

GBI’s Building Industry Advisory Council includes partner organizations who are at the forefront of their industries and seek to provide leadership and education in sustainable building. The BIAC supports GBI’s growth and mission to move the needle towards a
more sustainable and decarbonized built environment.

At the end of 2024, companies representing Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) and sustainability consulting (i.e., those directly involved in the design and construction of the built environment) accounted for nearly 60% of all GBI organizational memberships. Manufacturing and technology companies represent 16%, followed closely by like-minded nonprofit organizations.

Corporations, non-profits, government agencies, and other market leaders convene as GBI Members with a common bond: they support GBI’s commitment to development and delivery of rigorous yet accessible standards and resources to improve the sustainability, health & wellness, and resilience of the built environment.

GBI Organizational Membership provides opportunities to connect stakeholders with common goals, share knowledge, and advance innovative technologies.

Creating Meaningful Impact, Together

GBI’s Annual Member Appreciation Week

Each September, GBI dedicates one week to celebrating our members,
their support for our mission, and their commitment to improving the built environment. Our membership team creates an itinerary of activities and
benefits to engage, recognize, and deliver value to our membership community.

2024 GBI's Members of the Year

GBI Member of the Year awards are given annually during GBI’s Member Appreciation Week to an organization and an individual who have demonstrated exemplary dedication to improving the built environment’s impact on climate and society.

In 2024, GBI was pleased to announce Karen Petersburg (VP, Data Center Development & Construction, PowerHouse Data Centers) as the Individual Member of the Year and Leviton as the Organizational Member of the Year.