Green Building CouncilsÔ (“GBC’s”) are transparent, consensus-based, not-for-profit coalition-based organizations with no private ownership and diverse and integrated representation from all sectors of the property industry, including government. GBC’s are created and led by respected, visionary and capable leaders, who follow an open, democratic process allowing for equal representation and participation. GBC’s embrace business as a powerful solution provider, and are working to improve frameworks that harness the ability of business to deliver. They also work closely with governmental agencies, who may also be members. Some country GBC’s have regional chapters. Most GBC’s have staff, develop and host programs and a green building rating system.

Organizations and their founding individuals interested in recognition and future membership in the WorldGBC need to follow a stepped membership process. The steps include:

1. Filing and approval of an Expression of Interest Application to become affiliated with the WorldGBC.
2. Following of WorldGBC Roadmap: An Introduction to GBC Development.
3. Filing and approval of Emerging GBC Member status with by the WorldGBC.
4. Recommendation by Associate GBC for full membership status in the WorldGBC.
5. Maintenance of the ongoing GBC and WorldGBC operational and membership requirements.

There are several necessary steps to submitting an Expression of Interest (“EI”) form to the WorldGBC. Newly forming country and regional GBC’s interested in becoming affiliated with the WorldGBC must first bring together leaders that reach across the breadth of the construction sector in each country to establish a core founding group. This organizing group may then fill out the Expression of Interest (EI) form, above. The goal of the EI is to demonstrate the group’s ability to create and operate a new GBC and provide information about their professional backgrounds and experience. The EI will be reviewed by the WorldGBC to ensure appropriate leadership capability and representation has been established. Upon approval of the EI, the organizing group can begin the process of working with the WorldGBC to achieve official approval of advancing to the other organizational development steps listed above, including Emerging Member Status.

Achieving Emerging GBC Member status is a very important step, as only one GBC can be recognized in each country or region by the WorldGBC. This initial level of WorldGBC Council approval demonstrates publicly that the core founding group has been recognized and approved as the leaders chosen to represent the interest of the WorldGBC within the respective country or region. This group will work, with the support of the WorldGBC, through their GBC development process and have access to WorldGBC’s council development tools and members’ GBC products and knowledge.

Once the GBC organizing group has successfully developed a business plan, formed a Board of Directors and associated legal organizational Bylaws, legally incorporated, secured initial funding, established operations and officially “launched” the GBC, they can then apply to the WorldGBC Board of Directors for Emerging Member status. The Secretariat of the WorldGBC assists the organizing group to ensure that the application requirements are satisfied.

Once Emerging Member status is attained the newly forming GBC will work on strategic development, marketing & communications, educational programs and developing and expanding their operations. During this stage the emerging council is paired with a member GBC, as its “Associate GBC”. The Associate GBC will become a source of guidance and support, assisting the emerging council as it grows and faces associated challenges. Once the Associate GBC determines that the Emerging GBC has grown into a stable organization, the Associate GBC will recommend to the WorldGBC Board of Directors that the Emerging GBC be granted Established member status. This will provide the ability to attend the WorldGBC Annual General meeting, participate in committees and task groups, be listed on the WorldGBC website homepage as an Established member, and the opportunity to run for the WorldGBC Board of Directors.

GBCs recognized by the WorldGBC must hold the highest of ethical standards and operate consistent with the WorldGBC’s Code of Conduct. Please refer to this document, as it guides the ongoing operation of all GBCs.

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For more information on the WorldGBC membership process or to inquire about the council development process, please contact Dominika Czerwinska, Coordinator of Council Development.