Energy disclosure is a good idea, enabling users and operators of buildings to know how energy efficient they are. The City of Boston is in deliberation about an ordinance that would bring more transparency to energy use in large buildings and enable the City to create incentive programs to help owners meet municipal energy efficiency goals. Some think it's a low priority and a waste of time and effort. While some organizations are reluctant to get with the program, the USGBC MA Chapter is proud to endorse the ordinance!

The measure has been introduced by the City's Energy & Environment Czar, Brian Swett, former Board VP for the Chapter. I testified in support of the ordinance at Boston City Council on March 28th, 2013. The Chapter is committed to providing outreach and training, in partnership with the City, to anyone concerned about how to implement the reporting.

If you are a resident of Boston, or know someone who is, please submit a comment in favor of the ordinance. The Council may vote in the next two weeks. It is important that we, as a community committed to green buildings and a more environmentally responsible society, push our officials to endorse the ordinance. Please refer to this page at our website for more info on how to contact Councillors, and for a copy of our testimony, which you are free to borrow from. 

Others have spoken about it: Andrea Love from Payette, and Michael Cantalupa from A Better City. We are working with partners in Boston and looking at similar state-wide efforts. Please let me know what you think - I want us to be as effective as possible in achieving our mission as an organization.

Thank you,

Grey Lee

Executive Director

If you are planning on taking the GA or LEED AP Exam this year, you should already be studying!

Come to our expert-led Study Group in the Seaport. The six-course program started last week and has five more classes.

This Thursday the topic is: Sustainable Sites and Water Efficiency. 5:45 - 7:30pm at 281 Summer St, 5th Floor.

Come hear Keynote Speaker Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island on Friday, April 19th at 8am.

Read more about the program here

This is a great opportunity for Chapter volunteers from all over (Upstate New York and all of New England) to come together and learn from each other. Please join us. Contact Jim Newman, Upper Northeast Regional Rep, if you are interested in knowing more.  

4/18 pre-event education program is only $20; full program Thurs eve and Friday 4/19 all-day is $50 - an incredible bargain! Register here!

Come to this massive regional gathering of sustainability agents and activists. Over 40 presenters including the USGBC MA Chapter will be engaging with attendees at the DCU Center in Downtown Wormtown!

Exhibits open at 8am til 4:30pm. Register here! There are six tracks of presentations including "Change Management," "Technology & Behavior," and "Campus and Community Connections!"

NB: "Wormtown" = "I LOVE WORCESTER!"

Have you heard of the 2030 challenge?  Have you asked yourself what does the AIA 2030 commitment mean to me?  Join us for an interactive discussion that will include an overview of the 2030 Challenge, and highlight specific reporting requirements, metrics, and case studies to help explain how this movement affects all of us in the building community.

Jim Stanislaski of Gensler presents. Guardian Industries has graciously sponsored this event. Young Professionals in Energy, Boston Chapter, collaborated to produce the program.

More info at our website.  

The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) and USGBC MA are happy to present this riveting sequence of presentations to help bridge the gaps between owner and tenant motivations (not always clearly aligned!) on energy efficiency and sustainability measures in buildings. How can green leases really take off?

National Grid is the generous title sponsor for this program. Speakers include: 

• Brian Swett from the City of Boston, 
• Jonathan Keefe from BU's Center for Real Estate, 
• Bruce Percelay for Mount Vernon Companies (the Allston GREEN DISTRICT)
• and Derek Brown from CleanFund - speaking on PACE financing.

This awesome gathering will connect green building industry professionals with key business innovators, entrepreneurs, and leading public officials to illuminate the opportunities for radical efficiencies created through technology advancements in buildings, energy and transportation.  

Connect with other thought leaders and practitioners working across the diverse VERGE program tracks, including executives in energy, real estate, building management, sustainability, fleets, logistics, government, corporate financing and more.  

Use our discount code VBOSUSGBCMA to receive 10% off when you register. Early Bird promotional rate ends 4/15 so check it out now and sign up!