Green Building Initiative (GBI)

The GBI was originally conceived as a way to bring green building into the mainstream by helping local Home Builder Associations (HBAs) develop green building programs modeled after the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Model Green Home Building Guidelines. While developing a strategic partnership with the NAHB, an opportunity emerged to bring a web-based, interactive learning tool developed in Canada to commercial builders in the United States. Near the end of 2004, the GBI finalized an agreement to bring the Green Globes environmental assessment and rating tool into the U.S. market. The GBI has benefited from the support of a core group of industries committed to advancing the green building movement by creating credible options for their mainstream builder customers. Organizations like the Wood Promotion Network, as well as interests from such sectors as financial services, retailers, wholesalers, appliance manufacturers and other building material providers have all stepped forward to support our efforts.