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The U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. Our community of leaders is working to make green buildings available to everyone within a generation.

US Green Building Council is the governing body that founded, and maintains the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Thousands of residential and commercial buildings across the nation are being built to these specifications. Ratings such as Silver, Gold, and Platinum are awarded for buildings that meet the stringent energy saving design characteristics. The U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. Our community of leaders is working to make green buildings available to everyone within a generation.

Some LEED Platinum Skyscrapers: Taipei 101: http://inhabitat.com/taiwains-taipei-101-skyscraper-crowned-the-worlds-tallest-leed-platinum-building/ Bank of America Building NYC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_of_America_Tower_(New_York_City) Shenzen's Horizontal Skyscraper: http://www.evolo.us/architecture/steven-holls-leed-platinum-horizontal-skyscraper/

The Mass Green Communities initiative is a program with simple and clear criteria which a town can meet in order to gain Green Community designation. It is a program that residents can be part of and aside from the environmental benefits of meeting the criteria it makes the town eligible for various state and federal grants. One of my coworkers is involved in the initiative for the town of Northfield and it is something he feels proud as a resident to be a part of.

A very detailed green technology information page, offering a comprehensive look at the most common elements of the movement. Includes numerous links to further information. 

NFL Pop Up Store Opens On 6th Ave- Recently renovated Green Building

Hi All, and Happy St. Patrick's Day! As this is my first post, I thought it would be fitting to give a shout to my employer, Greenstreet Inc. We are a green construction firm in New York City. "GREENSTREET is a high-end construction firm that specializes in energy-efficient, healthy and green building."

ENERGY STAR for homes is a program recognizing homes built to a strict set of guidelines that are at least 15% more efficient than a home built to the minimum requirements of the current energy code. This is THE resource for information on this EPA program.

This is another local business and a member of the Franklin County CDC. They install cellulose insulation made from recycled newspapers. It is non-toxic, fire resistant, mold resistant, sound deadening and rodent deterring. If we find we need supplemental insulation in our house we are going to call upon this little family run business.

Here's another reason why I love where I live. We have a progressive community college that is leading the way in practical education in sustainability fields. My friend and neighbor credits this program with giving him the skills to design and build his house using highly energy efficient methods. He had no prior experience either, and now he is a solar hot water installer. Here's my friend's blog that details their entire process. (I may venture into this one year program at GCC after I finish at UMass) http://spartanandhannah.wordpress.com/

Transition towns are movements that connect people through events and initiatives focused on growing local economies into sustainable and fulfilling communities. This is the Massachusetts ring. I think these kind of movements are inspiring because it is so morale building to connect locally and discuss what we are going to do in our humble little lives to make things better, rather than depend on big changes coming from places of power.

This organization is a resource for builders, architects, designers, and educators. They provide information, networking and solutions for geared toward sustainable energy solutions in the built environment. AND they are right here in Greenfield! I just used their Green Pages Directory to find a local manufacturer and installer of standing seam metal roofing.