Virginia Sustainable Building Network in Harrisonburg Today

VSBN is holding their quarterly board meeting in Harrisonburg Virginia today. This will be my first board meeting with the organization. Here is a little background on our goals.

Virginia Sustainable Building Network (VSBN) is the only statewide organization that brings together representatives from diverse sectors who are interested in building healthy, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly buildings and sustainable communities. VSBN was incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 1995, under the leadership of Karl Bren, who was the Non-Profit Affairs Director of Virginia Housing Development Authority. He assembled a group of individuals, who represented housing, banking, utility, construction, government, and environmental interests, to shape the organization and to develop a program for VSBN that changes the way homes, commercial and institutional buildings, and communities are built in the state.

VSBN's mission is to promote environmentally sound — or Green Building — practices for Virginia. These building designs, methods, and materials save energy costs, reduce waste and promote recycling, reduce environmental impacts and exposure to unhealthy substances, strengthen local economies, and contribute to an enhanced quality of life.

To accomplish its mission, VSBN

• has built a statewide network of Green Building proponents,
• provides Green Building events and training around the state and region,
• provides technical assistance on Green Building design and operations, and
• has created an information clearinghouse and resource directory.