Board of Directors, 2008-2009
Background
Virginia Sustainable Building Network (VSBN) is the only statewide organization that brings together representatives from diverse sectors who are interested in building healthy, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly buildings and sustainable communities. VSBN was incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 1995, under the leadership of Karl Bren, who was the Non-Profit Affairs Director of Virginia Housing Development Authority. He assembled a group of individuals, who represented housing, banking, utility, construction, government, and environmental interests, to shape the organization and to develop a program for VSBN that changes the way homes, commercial and institutional buildings, and communities are built in the state.
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Mission
VSBN's mission is to promote environmentally sound — or Green Building — practices for Virginia. These building designs, methods, and materials save energy costs, reduce waste and promote recycling, reduce environmental impacts and exposure to unhealthy substances, strengthen local economies, and contribute to an enhanced quality of life.
To accomplish its mission, VSBN
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has built a statewide network of Green Building proponents,
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provides Green Building events and training around the state and region,
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provides technical assistance on Green Building design and operations, and
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has created an information clearinghouse and resource directory.
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2008 VSBN Initiatives
Commonwealth of Virginia Energy and Sustainability Conference (COVES). VSBN is managing the COVES conference in 2008 in partnership with public and private partners. Visit the VSBN website for updates on the conference agenda, registration forms, and sponsorship opportunities.
ENERGY STAR® Program. VSBN is partnering with the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy to bring the Change a Light, Change the World Campaign and the Home Performance with Energy Star Program to the state.
Rebuild America Program. VSBN continues to implement this U.S. Department of Energy program that provides technical and information resources to help commercial and institutional building owners make smarter choices about energy efficiency upgrades and new high performance design.
Building America Program. With the support of this U.S. Department of Energy program, and in partnership with the Home Builders Association of Virginia, VSBN brought the EarthCraft House™ Program to Virginia last year. This year we will continue to bring high performance homes to Virginia by working with builders on demonstration projects.
Sustainable Building Resource Directory. This directory brings together information on Green design and construction, government and non-profit programs, and private businesses and products related to Green Building. Enter your business or organization at www.sbrd.net.
Build Green Virginia® Events. These events bring nationally known speakers on Green Design and Sustainable Development to Virginia. Check the VSBN website – www.vsbn.org – for updated information about these and other Green Building/Sustainable Development events in the state.
Virginia's Sustainable Future Forum. The forum, a collaboration of VSBN, Environmental Solutions, Inc., Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, and other state agencies, businesses and organizations, brings sustainability issues to state level policy makers, promotes sustainable practices for businesses and higher education institutions, and promotes public education related to sustainability options.
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