[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1338-S1339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL

  Mr. WELCH. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 30th 
anniversary of the U.S. Green Building Council--USGBC--founded in April 
1993. This member-led, nonprofit organization has helped schools, 
businesses, cities, and even countries build and operate better 
buildings that transform lives. USGBC's LEED certification program, 
short for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, has grown to 
become the world's most acclaimed and

[[Page S1339]]

widely used green building system, with 105,000 projects in more than 
185 countries.
  In the United States, over 400,000 housing units and more 
nonresidential projects have applied this system to achieve LEED 
certification. In Vermont, we have achieved more than 120 
certifications, and at least 91 professionals have LEED credentials. 
These sustainable projects include K-12 schools and higher education, 
offices, multifamily housing, retail, manufacturing, and additional 
building types. More than 5 million square feet of space have received 
LEED certification.
  As Americans contend with rising prices and energy costs, more green 
buildings mean more dollars back in the pockets of small business and 
families. That is because research has repeatedly found that energy-
efficient, lower-waste green buildings benefit the bottom line. LEED-
certified buildings reduce day-to-day costs year-over-year while 
benefiting our climate. They help building owners lower vacancies. 
Plus, they improve staff well-being and productivity.
  When USGBC started, there was no agreement in the marketplace on what 
constituted ``green building,'' let alone any kind of accepted, 
codified mechanism to certify it. Now, 30 years later, USGBC has primed 
the market to value better-performing buildings that lower costs and 
waste, mitigate climate impacts, and improve health.
  Congratulations to this incredible, member-led organization. Here is 
to another impactful 30 years.

                          ____________________