Blogs & Annoucements

Thank You for Joining Us: California Green Building Awards & Green Gala

By Kayla Mak posted 30 days ago
From Desert to Coast, Forest to Mountains, With Gratitude. On behalf of the entire USGBC California team, our dedicated staff , and our Board of Directors , we are beyond grateful for your incredible support in making the 21st Annual California Green Building Awards and Green Gala an unforgettable success. The room was filled with an incredible community of talented and passionate individuals, designers, builders, developers, owners, and operators, alongside organizations dedicated to creating a more sustainable and equitable world. The energy in the room was truly inspiring. This year, we added a fresh twist by welcoming climate comedian ...

Living Building Challenge

By Jay Madden posted 12-09-2025
At Living Futures Committee’s November 2025 meeting, we were privileged to have Ava C alvano present the basics of International Living Futures Institute’s (ILFI) Living Building Challenge. Ava is the Institute’s Education Manager. The main theme of the Living Building Challenge is to go beyond minimizing the negative impacts of the built environment; it strives to create positive impacts. After reviewing this main theme, Ava discussed the several “petals” of the challenge. These petals include energy, water, materials, beauty, equity, and health and happiness . ILFI publishes a Program Manual, Version ...

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

By Kayla Mak posted 12-04-2025
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 ...

1st come (ASAP for L.A.)...: Facades+ FREE TIX in L.A. (NEXT WEEK!) and S.F. (January)

By Julie Du Brow posted 12-01-2025
Hi All! I have 3 complimentary tix available for The Architect's Newspaper's Facades+ event in L.A. on Dec. 11-12. First come, first served! Please respond ASAP with your name and email and I'll forward to the organizers. https://facadesplus.com/la/ ALSO, Facades+ in SF on Jan. 22 (not as urgent) -- also 3 tix. Same - please send me your name and email and I'll forward to the organizers. https://facadesplus.com/sf26/ Cheers! Julie

Submit for the IWBI Awards by 11/30

By Kayla Mak posted 11-12-2025
Submit your nomination for the IWBI Awards by 11/30! Details For the first time, International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) Award nominations are open to our global community. Tap the candidates you believe stand out most in the global mission for healthy buildings and organizations. The IWBI Awards are an opportunity to reflect on a year of milestones, bolster our community and empower tomorrow's leaders. Help us recognize outstanding leadership and impact in 2025 by nominating the individuals, projects and organizations driving change. Submit your nomination before November 30: https://lnkd.in/ej8iDheZ

Article: 'A roundtable discusses the links between plastics manufacturing, fossil fuels, and public health'

By Kayla Mak posted 11-03-2025
Sharing this article from The Architects' Newspaper featuring @Teresa Jan , @Kathleen Hetrick , @Priya Premchandran , @Aaron Vaden-Youmans Vaden-Youmans , and Jack Murphy! Link to the full article with images here . A roundtable discusses the links between plastics manufacturing, fossil fuels, and public health While the pursuit of low-carbon construction continues to redefine architectural practice, growing attention is now focused on the health impacts of toxic, petrochemical-based building materials. One informal working group consisting of researchers, and public health experts is making connections between architecture, manufacturing, ...

REMINDER: Submit for USGBC-CA's Architecture Design Challenge by 12/5

By Kayla Mak posted 11-03-2025
To apply for the Challenge, please visit https://usgbc-ca.org/water-adc/ . Applications Open Through December 5th, 2025. Innovative Challenge Seeks Scalable Solutions for Reimagining Residential Design through Innovative, Water-Efficient Living Spaces LOS ANGELES, CA (September 25, 2025) Water is one of the world’s most precious and finite resources—critical to sustaining life, agriculture, and industry. Yet residential water consumption remains a significant contributor to global water stress. The U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC-CA) has announced the launch of “Shaping the Future of Water Use at Home,” a global architectural ...

RSVP Now! 10/23 Living Futures: Biomimicry

By Kayla Mak posted 10-20-2025
Biomimicry Description - "Biomimicry for the Built Environment 101," an engaging session exploring how nature's principles can inspire resilient and regenerative urban design. Anne will share practical strategies for applying ecosystem insights to create healthier, more sustainable communities. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A to deepen understanding. Speaker - Anne LaForti is a California-based biomimicry consultant at Biomimicry 3.8 with a deep interest in resilient design for urban environments. Anne has a MS in Biomimicry. With a special interest in mycology, soil science, and living systems design, Anne helps teams translate ...

Who’s Speaking at Greenbuild This Year? 👀🌿

By Kim Krempien posted 10-10-2025
Alright, green building crew— it’s that time of year again! The lanyards are getting printed, the coffee’s getting stronger, and our collective excitement for sustainability’s biggest stage is reaching dangerously high levels. But before we all descend into a sea of LEED plaques and tote bags made of reclaimed pineapple fiber — we want to know: who from our community is speaking at Greenbuild this year? Are you leading a session? Sitting on a panel? Dropping some serious green building wisdom in a lightning talk? Don’t be shy — tell us so we can cheer you on (and shamelessly brag that we know you). Drop your name, session, or even just a teaser ...

California end of session: Changes to energy, wildfires, CEQA and climate

By Julie Du Brow posted 10-06-2025
Wanted to share this good summary from USGBC advocacy folks: https://www.usgbc.org/articles/california-end-session-changes-energy-wildfires-ceqa-and-climate Best, Julie

USGBC-CA Launches Architectural Design Challenge to Shape the Future of Water Use at Home

By Kayla Mak posted 10-02-2025
To apply for the Challenge, please visit https://usgbc-ca.org/water-adc/ . Applications Open Through December 5th, 2025. Innovative Challenge Seeks Scalable Solutions for Reimagining Residential Design through Innovative, Water-Efficient Living Spaces LOS ANGELES, CA (September 25, 2025) Water is one of the world’s most precious and finite resources—critical to sustaining life, agriculture, and industry. Yet residential water consumption remains a significant contributor to global water stress. The U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC-CA) has announced the launch of “Shaping the Future of Water Use at Home,” a global architectural ...

10/16 | Participate in International ShakeOut Day!

By Kayla Mak posted 10-02-2025
This year's International ShakeOut Day is October 16, when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home! At 10:16 a.m. (local time) on 10/16, you can join millions of people across the world practicing earthquake safety. While we encourage participation with everyone, you can register your ShakeOut drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of your choice. You can also include people in multiple locations through video conferencing. Millions will practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”—but earthquake safety doesn’t end there. When the shaking stops, fires, injuries, and evacuations often follow. F11 ...

11/12 San Bernardino | Volunteer at the 2025 Future Green Leaders Summit!

By Kayla Mak posted 09-29-2025
USGBC-CA is looking for volunteers for the 2025 Future Green Leaders Summit . The third annual Future Green Leaders Summit (FGLS) offers an exciting and inspiring day of learning for local students, exposing them to the many technologies and career pathways in sustainability and energy efficiency. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out this form . Date and Time: 11/12, 7am to 4pm Shifts: morning, afternoon, all day Location: The Enterprise Building Address: 320 N E St, San Bernardino, CA 92401 Additional Information: Volunteer tasks may include event registration, bus escort, workshop monitor, ...

Vote for your Regional Leaders from 9/24-9/30!

By Kayla Mak posted 09-22-2025
USGBC-CA is hosting elections for our 2026-2027 Regional Leadership Advisory Boards in the Community Hub from 9/24 - 9/30. Here's how to choose your regional leaders: Find your USGBC-CA Region in the 'All Regions' page Click on your Region and learn about the Candidates in the RLAB Voting Guide Mark your calendars for the September 24th to cast your vote!

📣 Apply for Committee Leadership by 10/3

By Kayla Mak posted 09-05-2025
Passionate about driving change in sustainable building? Now’s your chance to step up and lead! We’re excited to announce that USGBC-CA C ommittee Leadership applications are OPEN from September 5 – October 3 . This is your opportunity to shape the future of our programs, guide impactful initiatives, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in sustainability. 🌎✨ 📅 Application Window: 9/5 – 10/3 🔗 Learn more & apply here Let’s build a greener, smarter future, together. 💡🏗️ Have questions? Contact kayla@usgbc-ca.org ...

Opportunity: IAQVEC Submissions deadline 8/29

By Julie Du Brow posted 08-25-2025
A message from the organizers of IAQVEC 2026! Dear USGBC–California Members, We’re excited to share that the 12th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation, and Energy Conservation in Buildings (IAQVEC 2026) will take place at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles from May 18–22, 2026. This prestigious international event is endorsed by the California Energy Commission (CEC), ASHRAE, IBPSA, and USGBC–California, and is expected to draw numerous leaders in architecture, engineering, building science, and environmental policy. IAQVEC 2026 will focus on: Sustainable building design and ...

📣 Greenbuild Early Bird Ends 8/29!

By Kayla Mak posted 08-19-2025
Greenbuild Early Bird Registration ends on 8/29! For more information and to register, visit the Greenbuild website !

USGBC-CA 2025 Board Slate for Confirmation: Comment Form Now Open!

By Kim Krempien posted 08-15-2025
We are excited to share the 2025/2026 Board of Directors Slate for membership vote. This slate was selected by the USGBC-CA Nominations Committee and approved by the current USGBC-CA Board of Directors. All candidates were reviewed based on the following factors: Diversity of Geographic and Industry Perspective - USGBC-CA has updated its bylaws to ensure there is representation from every region across California. These are currently defined as the Redwood Empire (everything north of the San Francisco Bay Area), the San Francisco Bay Area, the California Central Coast, Central California, the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area, Orange County, and ...

🎉 NEW: Download the Community Hub App!

By Kayla Mak posted 08-14-2025
Hello USGBC-CA Members, We are excited to announce the launch of the Community Hub App! See below for downloading instructions: Step 1: Download the App Download in the Apple Store Download in the Google Play Store Step 2: Once downloaded, type in the domain community.usgbc-ca.org Step 3: Login with your Community Hub credentials.

🌱 August Member Magazine: Grab your free Expo Pass to Greenbuild!

By Kayla Mak posted 08-11-2025
Hello USGBC-CA Members, Get ready for an August update packed with ways to supercharge your membership! This month, we’re sharing important committee meeting updates, launching nominations for our Regional Leadership Advisory Boards (RLABs), and kicking off a flash sale for Game Night on September 18th ! In this Magazine: Committee Meetings Updates Regional Leadership Advisory Board Upcoming Events Member Benefits Partner Events *Jump links may not function properly on some mobile email apps. For the best experience, please view this email in a web browser . ...