FAQ

What is DVGBC?
What is USGBC?
What is the difference between USGBC and DVGBC memberships?
How can my company support DVGBC?
Can someone from DVGBC do a presentation for my company or speak at my event?
What are the benefits of DVGBC Membership?
How do I join?
How do I join a committee?
How do I log into my account?
Does DVGBC provide funding for green buildings?
What is a LEED AP?
Where can I find more information on becoming a LEED AP and taking the exam?
What is the difference between Green Advantage Certification and LEED Accreditation?
What is the LEED Rating System?
What types of buildings can use LEED?
Can products be certified under LEED?

What is DVGBC?

The Delaware Valley Green Building Council, a chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, was formed in November 2001 at historic Carpenters' Hall. Its mission is to advance and promote sustainable and environmentally responsible planning, design, construction and operation of the region's buildings, landscapes, cities and communities, mindful of the legacy we leave for future generations.

DVGBC is one of the oldest and largest chapters in the country. We have over 1,000 individual members, who range from architects to community activists. Anyone who is interested in sustainable buildings and communities is welcome, whether you're seeking information, to share knowledge or resources, to become a stronger advocate in your community, or for the support of other sustainability advocates.

We offer education programs, networking events, chances to participate in advocacy work in our region, opportunities for leadership development, and ways to be involved at the committee and board level with advocacy agenda setting, program planning, and organizational development.

What is USGBC?

The U.S. Green Building Council is the nation's foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work.

The building industry needs a single entity to provide it with integration, leadership, and education. Since its formation in 1993, the U.S. Green Building Council has fulfilled this need, becoming the center for debate and action on environmental issues facing the industry's multiple interests.

USGBC is also the organization that started and administers the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building certification program, and LEED AP (LEED Accredited Professional) program for individuals. While DVGBC can provide information about these two programs, any customer service related issues should be direction to USGBC.

What is the difference between USGBC and DVGBC memberships?

Companies Join USGBC and Individuals Join DVGBC, a local Chapter.

How can my company support DVGBC?

Your company can support DVGBC's programming and advocacy work through Sustaining Sponsorship, Event Sponsorship, Partnership, or through a gift in kind, such as donating classroom or event space. If you have other ideas about how you might like to support our mission, please let us know by contacting Janet Milkman, Executive Director.

Can someone from DVGBC do a presentation for my company or speak at my event?

There are several ways we might be able to help, depending on the event, the type of information you need, the intended audience's level of knowledge, length of program, and many other details, including how far in advance the request is.

We receive many requests, so in order to help you as quickly as possible, please email us with details, and we'll be in touch with you. Although we can't always help, it's our goal to be as accommodating and responsive as possible.

What are the benefits of DVGBC Membership?

Opportunities to shape the local agenda through chapter and committee leadership – Join one of our committees or chair a committee. Click here for committee descriptions.

Opportunities to meet and learn from professionals from across the building industry – take advantage of our exclusive opportunities to meet, exchange ideas and build momentum with green building leaders on the local scene. Visit our Events page to find out about our next event.

Opportunities to represent your company locally – each USGBC member company has one vote at the chapter level for local issues.

Recognition as a leader in supporting a better built environment – the industry, governmental and educational leaders, and the media increasingly turn to the chapter to find out who is doing what in green building. Visit our Resources page to see what we offer.

Discounted local event fees – Chapter members get discounts to our networking and educational events.

Join now and begin to reap the benefits of membership in the Delaware Valley Green Building Council. Be an advocate for sustainable buildings and communities!

How do I join?

Complete our registration form.

If you are not quite ready to become a member, please join our E-List so that you may receive information about our events.

How do I join a committee?

Joining a committee is the best way to get involved in the programs and advocacy work that we do. Our volunteers are one of our most valued resources.

Only members of the organization can join a committee, and some committees, like our finance committee, can only be joined by board members. If you've confirmed your membership and would like to join a committee please log into your account and join a committee here. You can also contact the committee chair for more inforamtion, their email addresses are listed on their committee pages. Joining a committee is the best way to get involved in the programs and advocacy work that we do.

How do I log into my account?

Click on "Sign In" on the top right of the website.

Does DVGBC provide funding for green buildings?

DVGBC doesn't build or fund specific green building projects. We are a nonprofit organization, and our mission is to advance and promote sustainable and environmentally responsible planning, design, construction and operation of the region's buildings, landscapes, cities and communities, mindful of the legacy we leave for future generations.

We encourage you to visit our News and Resources section to find out about tax incentives and other options that might help you finance your project.

What is a LEED AP?

LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) are building industry professionals who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building and the LEED Green Building Rating System™. The LEED AP credential indicates that the professional has the knowledge and skills to facilitate the LEED certification process.

LEED Professional Accreditation is a voluntary designation achieved by over 50,000 individuals who have passed the LEED Professional Accreditation exam. The Green Building Certification Institute recommends that LEED AP candidates have building industry knowledge, as well as experience working with green building professionals from multiple disciplines.

Where can I find more information on becoming a LEED AP and taking the exam?

Refer to the LEED AP Candidate Handbook at www.gbci.org for complete information on accreditation policies and procedures, registration instruction, exam content and recommended study resources.

What is the difference between Green Advantage Certification and LEED Accreditation?

Both systems are meant to certify a building professional's knowledge about green building. While anyone can study and take the test, the LEED AP program was intended for use by design professionals and building operators. The Green Advantage Certification was designed for supervisory level contractors, and references the parts of the LEED rating system that are applicable to the contracting community.

What is the LEED Rating System?

LEED is a third party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2000 through a consensus based process, LEED serves as a tool for buildings of all types and sizes. LEED certification offers third party validation of a project's green features.

What types of buildings can use LEED?

LEED certification is available for all building types including: new construction and major renovation; operations and maintenance of existing buildings; commercial interiors; core & shell; schools; and homes. LEED systems for neighborhood development, retail and healthcare are currently in pilot testing. Please visit our Library for more information. To date, there is over 3 billion square feet of construction space involved with the LEED system.

Can products be certified under LEED?

No, LEED applies to green building projects. Individual products can contribute to points under the certification system; LEED criteria are performance-based. In attempting to meet these requirements, LEED practitioners identify products that have desired attributes. However, some LEED criteria do require specific product data as part of a successful submittal.