Earth Day 2011 marked the Maryland Residential Green Building Council's 2^nd year as a Council of HBAM and advocate for green builders, developers, remodelers and associates.  The past year has been extremely successful, thanks to the hard work and dedication of close to 100 active members. Below is a recap of our successes and a look at our 2011 events and education courses being offered. You can also read our Spring Newsletter by clicking here.
            Just a few weeks ago, MRGBC members celebrated passage of HB 630, which adds the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard Silver, Gold and Emerald certifications as equivalent to LEED for Homes Silver, Gold and Platinum. Now that the State of Maryland recognizes this certification standard as a High Performance Home, Council members and HBAM Chapters will lobby local jurisdictions to include the ICC 700 in existing and proposed tax credit programs. 
            This past year we heard from Council members that we should offer more networking opportunities and chances to hear industry professionals describe their lessons learned from developing, building, and renovating green homes according to the ICC 700 certification process.  We are pleased to announce that in 2011 we are offering 3 networking events with panel discussions, each over breakfast. June 23 will feature green certified developers, September 22 will feature green certified builders, and December 8 will feature green certified remodelers.
            Earlier this year we offered a unique 2-day class entitled Green Building 101 and 201 that was developed and taught by HBAM member Alan Mooney with Criterion Engineers.  Although successful and well attended, the Council has decided to offer two NAHB designed courses later this year: Advanced Green Building, Building Science on July 13-14, and Advanced Green Building, Project Management on November 9-10. 
            This year also marked our first "Green" Key Connections, which featured 17 green builders and over 60 associate members with green products or services to offer.  Held at the HBAM office, this one of a kind green-products-only networking event is scheduled again for October 6, 2011.
            Later this year we are excited to offer a sales class on September 28 to teach builders, sales agents and real estate professionals how to more effectively communicate the value of high performance homes to customers using new tools and real world examples.  Hosted by Dow Building Solutions and led by Gord Cooke, nationally recognized engineer, author, industry consultant, and trainer, the event is a can't miss seminar designed to improve your profit margin. 
            Finally, for companies looking to increase their exposure to MRGBC members, we are now offering annual sponsorships and customizable packages that will enable you to get in front of the decision makers.  Annual sponsorships at either the Gold or Emerald level will provide you the tools and access you are looking for all year long.  For specif event or education course sponsorships, a customizable package can be developed to suite your specific needs. 
            For additional information on sponsorship opportunities or any of the events and education courses listed here, visit our website www.greenhomebuilder.org. To view the 2011 membership application, click here.

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter and your interest in green building. Again, click here to download a copy of our newsletter.

Bill Zahler, MRGBC Co-Chair
Jake Ruppert, MRGBC Co-Chair