LOS ANGELES, CA — USGBC California has launched as an independent nonprofit unifying six regional communities across the state that were originally founded in collaboration with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). USGBC California's vision is to help transform communities across California to become more sustainable, resilient, and equitable for all through direct community engagement, workforce development, and education.

The new structure and entity create a centralized entry point where anyone can engage with and become part of the green building movement, help increase grassroots engagement in local communities, and position California as a national and global leader in sustainable building design, construction, and operations. The organization will bring together all stakeholders from industry executives and workers to residents and youth in one unified platform across the state.

The regional chapters, which all have 20-plus years of history in their communities, will maintain their strength of knowledge and respective local leadership through Regional Advisory Boards, within the umbrella of USGBC California's unified platform. These include (from south to north): San Diego (SDGBC), Orange County (USGBC-OC), Los Angeles (USGBC-LA), Central Coast (CCGBC), Northern California (USGBC Northern California), and Redwood Empire (USGBC Redwood Empire).

As an entity, USGBC-LA will change its name to USGBC California, and its digital platform, programming, and staff will transition to serve the whole state. Ben Stapleton, Executive Director of USGBC-LA since 2019, will become Executive Director for USGBC California. A regional volunteer leadership group will be formed to run a new Los Angeles Chapter.

"California is a global leader in the fight against climate change. Standing as the 5th largest economy in the world, our state is experiencing the increasing impacts of climate change and yet, has an enormous opportunity to be a profound part of the solution. This comes with unique challenges that require a unified, collaborative approach in order for us all to adapt, grow, and thrive," said Stapleton, who spearheaded the unification. "Buildings account for more than 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in California, and everyone should feel empowered to reduce those impacts. We will strive to accelerate action against climate change on a local level and uplift our collective voice to influence policy, advocacy, and programming to better support our communities in addressing climate resilience and occupant health."