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🌱 December Member Magazine: 40 Events, 16 Cities, 500 New Members

By Kayla Mak posted 11 hours ago

  

As we share our final Member Magazine of the year, it’s clear that the season is shifting. We are ending the year on a high note with several events and gatherings ahead before wrapping up, offering plenty of opportunities to stay connected and engaged.

There is also a certain clarity that comes with this time of year, an opportunity to reflect, reset, and recognize the strength of what we’ve built together. As we look ahead to 2026, we’re reminded of just how powerful our collective efforts can be. Despite a range of challenges, constant change, and mounting pressure across our industry, our community continued to show up, hosting 40 community events in 16 cities across California and proving that progress doesn’t pause. Together, we turned obstacles into momentum, strengthened connections, and laid the groundwork for an even more impactful year to come.

We’re thrilled to share some incredible news: next year, we’ll be partnering with inspiring leaders in 10 regions across California! In 2025, USGBC California proudly launched our first four Regional Leadership Advisory Boards in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. And now, we’re taking a major leap forward, growing from 4 to 10 RLABs and collaborating with 71 passionate leaders who are shaping a more sustainable, resilient California for all. Join your community in the Hub and connect directly with other changemakers. 

In this Magazine:

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Ignacio serves as the Co-Chair of the Los Angeles RLAB & Advocacy Lead of the Building Decarbonization Committee.

As the Sustainability Manager at Holliday Rock, Ignacio leads initiatives focused on reducing carbon emissions in the concrete and cement industries, educating industry stakeholders on sustainable construction, and promoting the use of low-carbon materials and practices. In addition to his work in sustainability, Ignacio served as President of the Perris Valley Chamber of Commerce, where he gained extensive experience in leadership, policy advocacy, and community engagement. He regularly participates in discussions on government regulations, low-carbon design, and emerging building technologies, which complements USGBC-CA’s vision of transforming the building industry through leadership and innovation. 

Izumi’s presence is always a positive and centering one. We are fortunate that she both resurrected the Green Homes Committee about 6 years ago and has served as its chair or co-chair ever since, and will continue as the committee’s Advisor next year. Izumi has continuously shared her love for residential design through home tours, speakers and education, more recently doing so with her committee co-chair. This year, they guided the committee through the heartbreak of residential loss from the L.A. wildfires, and brought in industry experts to discuss the situation on the ground as well as resilience and rebuilding options.

Izumi is above all a passionate advocate for sustainable and regenerative living. As a certified Green Realtor® with Real Broker, she expertly guides her clients on creating healthier, future-ready living spaces. And representing the ‘green curious’ as a podcaster through her Home Green Homes podcast (est. 2019), she has tapped into the extensive thought leadership of our community and beyond, making accessible the resources, insights, and stories that help inspire homeowners, homebuyers, and building professionals to approach home design and place-making in a sustainable and regenerative way.

Nataly serves as the Advocacy Lead of the Orange County RLAB and was a speaker at this year’s Orange County Women+ in Green Breakfast.

Nataly is a trailblazer in the energy sector, always prioritizing community education and outreach. As a first-generation Latina, she brings a unique perspective and dedication to her role as an Energy Programs Analyst at Orange County Power Authority. Her work in identifying energy trends, coordinating community programs, and tracking success metrics demonstrates her commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Heading to Living Future 2026? Grab your USGBC-CA Member Deal Here!

LF 26 is where people come together to imagine what a better future can look like and to take real steps toward it. Hear from thoughtful, inspiring speakers who are tackling today’s biggest challenges with creativity and care. Join sessions that offer clear, practical ideas you can use in your work and your community. Connect with people who share your values and want to make a positive impact. Click here!

$150 off for USGBC-CA members with the code: USGBC-LF26

Apply by Dec. 15th for a Scholarship to attend the 16th annual Green Schools Conference in February

The Center for Green Schools at USGBC, in partnership with the Green Schools National Network (GSNN), strives to foster inclusivity and expand access to the 2026 Green Schools Conference (GSC) taking place Feb. 17–19, 2026, in San Diego, California.

GSC is offering a select number of conference scholarships, enabling educators and sustainability advocates—many of whom work in underfunded schools or communities—to bring diverse perspectives to the table and take actionable insights back to their institutions. Scholarship recipients will receive a complimentary pass to access main conference events, including educational sessions, workshops, plenary sessions, the Best of Green Schools Awards Luncheon, and networking events (the Exchange Showcase and Speed Greening program). 

For full information, reference this article. To apply by 11:59 pm ET on Dec. 15, click here.

Thank you for being a member and helping drive our mission forward. Your engagement in committees is key to advancing sustainable, equitable communities across California—and we’re thrilled to keep that momentum going together.

We hope to see you at an event in your community soon!

Thank You to Our Annual Sponsors!

USGBC-CA Partners and Sponsors provide operating support for all of our programs and events, as well as start-up funds for new green building programs and initiatives.

Please join us - we need your support! Contact Carrie Hester for more information.

Your support is crucial in helping us advance our initiatives and transform California into a more sustainable state for all!

Click here to learn how your contribution will help!

Keep your access to exclusive USGBC-CA member benefits and resources!
If you would like to become a member or renew your membership, please click here.

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