World Green Building Council

Definition

The World Green Building Council (WGBC) is a global network of green building councils that promotes sustainable building practices and the adoption of green building standards worldwide. It plays a crucial role in shaping policies, advancing research, and facilitating knowledge sharing to foster sustainable urban environments. By advocating for best practices in design, construction, and operation, WGBC seeks to drive the transformation of the building industry towards greater sustainability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The World Green Building Council was established in 1999 and has grown to include over 70 national green building councils around the world.
2. WGBC's mission includes promoting sustainable building practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance quality of life for people in urban areas.
3. The organization collaborates with industry stakeholders, governments, and non-governmental organizations to advance policies that support green building initiatives.
4. WGBC facilitates the sharing of knowledge and resources among its member councils to drive innovation in green building practices globally.
5. One of WGBC's significant initiatives is the 'Better Places for People' program, which focuses on enhancing human health and well-being through sustainable building design.

Review Questions

• How does the World Green Building Council influence sustainable building practices globally?
  • The World Green Building Council influences sustainable building practices globally by acting as a network that connects various national green building councils. It provides resources, shares best practices, and advocates for policy changes that support sustainability in the built environment. By collaborating with industry stakeholders and governments, WGBC helps promote widespread adoption of green building standards and innovations that ultimately lead to reduced environmental impacts across different regions.
• In what ways does WGBC support the implementation of LEED certification within its member countries?
  • WGBC supports the implementation of LEED certification by providing guidance, resources, and training to its member councils. This includes sharing case studies, best practices, and educational materials that help promote LEED standards among architects, builders, and developers. Additionally, WGBC advocates for policies that encourage the use of LEED certification as a benchmark for sustainable construction, thereby increasing its adoption in various countries.
• Evaluate the potential impact of the World Green Building Council's initiatives on urban environments and public health.
  • The initiatives led by the World Green Building Council can significantly impact urban environments by promoting sustainable construction practices that reduce carbon footprints, improve energy efficiency, and enhance indoor air quality. These efforts not only contribute to mitigating climate change but also foster healthier living conditions for urban populations. By prioritizing designs that promote well-being through access to natural light, ventilation, and green spaces, WGBC’s work ultimately leads to improved public health outcomes and a higher quality of life for residents in cities around the world.

Related terms

LEED Certification: LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is a widely recognized green building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council that evaluates a building's environmental performance and encourages sustainable design.

Sustainable Design: Sustainable design refers to the practice of creating products and buildings in a way that minimizes environmental impact, promotes energy efficiency, and supports resource conservation throughout their lifecycle.

Green Building Standards: Green building standards are guidelines and benchmarks that dictate how to design, construct, and operate buildings in an environmentally responsible manner, promoting sustainability in various aspects like energy use, materials, and indoor air quality.