President's Message

When we first introduced the Green Globes™ tool four years ago, we weren't sure the reaction we'd get. There were many in the design community who were very involved with LEED® and, frankly, it stood to reason that we might get the cold shoulder.

Over the years, we've been able to demonstrate, not only the differences—such as the fact that Green Globes is web-based and user-friendly—that make it a valuable addition to the market, but the broader need to encourage competition by supporting more than one credible tool.

As a result, it would appear that the debate over whether Green Globes and LEED should both exist is finally over. Green Globes is now formally recognized across the country, both in legislation and by various government agencies, and hundreds of buildings are either registered in the system or have been third-party certified. However, as with any offering that brings choice to the market, the debate over which is the better flavor rages on.

This month, for example, two studies were released that feature both rating systems—one by the American Institute of Architects and one by Dovetail Partners, Inc.

I'll be honest. We had a few issues with the AIA study, but felt generally pleased that Green Globes had received formal recognition by the architectural community. All in all, there are many positive aspects, such as the way the study highlights GBI's third-party assessment process and inclusion of life cycle assessment. But the study missed some key positive aspects of the tool. For those of you who'd like specifics, GBI released a statement highlighting the main points. But I'd like to take this opportunity to address one rumor that has zero basis in fact and yet keeps popping up in various quarters—that a Green Globes project can be "self-certified."

A building can only be recognized as Green Globes certified if it undergoes our third-party assessment process, during which a GBI-authorized, qualified architect or engineer reviews the construction documents and conducts an on-site walkthrough of the building. A building project can never be "self-certified."

The second study reviews "recent updates and proposed changes related to the most prominent green building programs in the United States," including Green Globes, LEED for New Construction, LEED for Homes and the National Association of Home Builders' National Green Building Standard. It is specifically concerned with updates as they relate to environmentally preferable materials and is the first study to review the GBI's proposed American National Standard. It also gives Green Globes recognition for, among other things, its work related to life cycle assessment.

As someone who vocally promotes the need for a competitive environment, I'm delighted that the green building community seems to be embracing the idea of rating system choice—and evaluating its choices with the awareness that what's good for one building, may not be good for the next. We look forward to more studies that compare Green Globes and other tools...and to more green certified buildings.

Sincerely,

Ward Hubbell