The San Diego chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council hired its first executive director, Gary Goodson, to lead the 500-member-strong environmental and energy conscious organization.

Goodson was the director of the Community Office for Resource Efficiency, an Aspen, Colo. nonprofit focused on cost-effective ways to save business owners, government agencies and homeowners on energy and water utilities while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. CORE grants $2 million annually.

In addition, Goodson is a LEED accredited professional and holds a degree in sustainable systems.

The 2009 San Diego chapter board of directors is Charles Angyal of KEMA Services, Lee Barken of Haskell & White, Jay Corrales of Turner Real Estate, Christian F. Dick of Swinerton Management & Consulting, Stephen Kapp with the California Center for Sustainable Energy, Shawn Kallio of EcoTimber, Carolyn Keith of the EcoLogic Studio, Kamala Kuresman of Nolte Associates, Jane Leonard of SE3 Communications, Zach Pannier of DPR Construction, Keith Schneringer of Waxie Sanitary Supply, Paul Stapleton of SDG&E, and Lucia Stone of Hutchens PR.

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As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, I am thrilled to see this progress in our own San Diego.  The organization has gained the respect of local government, business and industry leaders for the value and credibility they add to green and sustainable building practices.  When a consumer sees a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, there is nothing ambiguous about the rating.  LEED is the most widely known and accepted Green Rating used in the U.S. today.  Green building practices incorporate more than photo voltaic solar panels.  LEED criteria incorporates site selection and stewardship, energy and water efficiency design, indoor air quality, materials and resources and awareness and education into their point system for certification.  There are four levels of LEED certification; LEED Certified, LEED Silver, LEED Gold and LEED Platinum and these levels of green rated buildings are available on residential, commercial and existing buildings. 

To find out more about LEED Certification and the U.S. Green Building Council visit them online at www.usgbc.org.  You can find a list of member builders and consultants that will help you build lasting quality into your new building.  For green residential construction, please contact Pacific Shoreline Home Building via JB Home Sellers at 760-438-8815.