January 9, 2008 (Seattle, WA) – Green building is getting smarter and easier in Alaska. The Alaska chapter of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has joined the Cascadia Region Green Building Council (Cascadia) as its newest branch, joining Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia as part of the leading green building organization in the Pacific Northwest and Canada.  Both organizations promote and leverage the value of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards of the USGBC, among other tools and programs, to improve the performance of new and existing buildings, neighborhoods, and homes.
 
“We are excited about Alaska joining us as part of the Cascadia family.  Together we can share resources, ideas, and green building expertise across the Pacific Northwest – from southern Oregon to Northern Alaska,” says Jason F. McLennan, CEO of Cascadia.  “It is our hope that this partnership will result in more green buildings being built or retrofitted, and an increase in the application of LEED and other important tools.”
 
Both organizations will greatly benefit from this partnership.  Alaska in particular joins forces with an established and innovative green building program that is recognized internationally as providing cutting-edge programs and ideas. As part of Cascadia, the Alaska branch will continue to grow and increase its effectiveness in promoting green building throughout its communities, with more professional development and outreach opportunities.  With increased support on sustainable initiatives, the Alaska branch will be able to maximize their efforts to promote green building and design beyond the major urban centers and into smaller rural communities and villages. Alaska in turn brings a fresh perspective to Cascadia and an environmental urgency tied to the changing northern climate.
 
“The emerging reality of climate change is becoming readily apparent throughout the Northwest, more so in Alaska and British Columbia,” says Lynn Barrett, chair of the Alaska branch.  “There is a palpable urgency in our efforts to ramp up green building solutions that work across the northwestern region.”
 
There are currently three LEED certified projects completed in Alaska, two of which have received Silver certification, and close to 20 more LEED registered projects.
 
For more information about the Alaska/Cascadia merger, please visit www.cascadiagbc.org.