Without a doubt, green building has entered the mainstream. In recent years the number of sustainably built structures has increased exponentially. Every day media outlets around the world report knowledgeably on the benefits and opportunities they provide.

But all this attention is just the foundation for the ripple effects that occur when a green building becomes part of a community.
How these ripples are fundamentally changing our community landscapes and what’s in store for the future will be addressed at the first event in the City of Seattle's 2006 Urban Sustainability Forum:

"The Future of Green Building"
Monday, Jan. 30, 2006, 5:30-7 p.m.
Seattle City Hall, Bertha Landes Room, 600 Fourth Ave.
Free event; no registration required

FEATURING:  Rick Fedrizzi
CEO & Founding Chairman, U.S. Green Building Council

About Rick Fedrizzi
Under Rick Fedrizzi’s leadership, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has embarked on a new era of growth, openness and transparency. Since 2004 Rick has spearheaded a number of critical initiatives, including a major refinement of the LEED Rating System, the Council’s chief tool for market transformation; integration and capacity building for the Council’s 60+ local chapters, to speed regional market transformation; and an internal reorganization to align resources with strategic goals. During his tenure USGBC has launched two new rating systems (LEED for Existing Buildings and LEED for Commercial Interiors); commenced work on LEED Version 3; and greatly enhanced educational offerings, staff size and membership.

Prior to his appointment, Rick was president of Green-Think, an environmentally focused marketing and communications consulting firm, which he founded after 25 distinguished years as in-house environmental marketing consultant at United Technologies Corporation. Rick is past president of the World Green Building Council (1999-2004) and has worked closely with the Chinese government to develop a framework for a Chinese Green Building Council.

An internationally renowned speaker on green marketing, industrial ecology and sustainable building design, Rick writes for a wide range of publications, including the monthly internet column “Greener Facilities” for Buildings Magazine. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from LeMoyne College and an MBA from Syracuse University.

The Rick Fedrizzi event is sponsored by the City of Seattle, Better Bricks, the Cascadia Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, and ULI Seattle.

About the Urban Sustainability Forum
This event is part of the 2006 Urban Sustainability Forum, a series of energizing public dialogues on transforming Seattle into a 21st century city that is climate-neutral, pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented, community-focused and sustainably designed.

Featuring nationally and internationally recognized leaders in sustainable community development, the Urban Sustainability Forum provides an opportunity for Seattle business leaders and citizens to discuss urban sustainability issues and create a shared vision for the future. The forum is sponsored by the City of Seattle, the Seattle Public Library, BetterBricks and ULI Seattle.