About the Green Building Council
     The Green Building Council of Greater Columbia (GBCGC) was formed in response to HBAGC member and consumer demand for more energy efficient and environmentally friendly homes. 
     The goals of the Green Building Council are to educate building professionals to the practice of green, or sustainable, building; promote market-driven construction of green residences and developments; inform consumers of green building products and services; and, to administer the Build Green Greater Columbia program, in partnership with the Green Building Initiative (GBI), that will be used to verify that a home is indeed built to proper green standards.
     "The GBI is pleased to support another green building program and congratulates the HBAGC for its dedication and leadership in this effort," says Director of Residential Programs, Kelly O’Brien.
     “We' re essentially re-thinking the way that homes are built,” said council Chairman Mark Bostic of Square One Design Service, “We are exploring methods to make homes more environmentally-friendly, longer lasting, and less expensive to operate and maintain through the applied science of building technology.”
     The council will educate its members to the practices of green construction through special seminars and regular council meetings.  Educational events will feature local, regional and national speakers on a variety of topics including lot and plan design, energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, resource management, homeowner education and global impact. 
     These seven topics are the foundation of the Build Green Greater Columbia program, which is based on the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Model Green Home Guidelines.  The program consists of a point system for each of the seven areas that builders must meet in order to build what is verified as a green home.  The program was created after years of research and input from a committee of home builders, building scientists, and other experts in sustainable housing from around the country.  The program is further modified to meet the needs of our specific climate area.  The Green Building Council, in conjunction with NAHB, will update the program as new technology and building techniques are developed.
     “By building smarter,” continued Bostic, “we can construct homes that preserve and protect our natural resources while saving substantial energy and maintenance dollars throughout a home's lifespan.” 
     Local home builders interested in learning more about building green homes and the verification process are encouraged to join the Green Building Council of Greater Columbia by contacting the HBA of Greater Columbia at (803) 256-6238.