MNN - Mother Nature Network

Catch up with what’s going on in the green building world before you head off for the last weekend of summer.

 

It has been more than eight months since an earthquake devastated Haiti on January 12, 2010. Once the medical crises were attended to, organizations from around the world set about the process of rebuilding the country with many groups focus on a green rebuild in Haiti.

 

An article that appeared on Reuters yesterday takes a more in-depth look at green building in Haiti and how it can be used to build a framework for green building in developing countries around the world. While the primary focal point of LEED certified buildings in the United States is often the energy efficiency aspect, this isn’t necessarily a big concern in developing countries.

“Further, using less energy and water are not high priorities in Haiti. The challenge is to provide more energy, water, and sanitation to people who currently live without these basic services while reducing environmental, social and economic impacts of deforestation, pollution and disease related to current building and building use practices.”

Yesterday’s article is the first in a three-part series but it definitely leaves one with food for thought. What will green building in Haiti look like? Does green building need to be defined the same way in developed countries and developing countries?

 

If you’re planning to attend Greenbuild 2010 in Chicago, today’s the last day to take advantage of the early bird registration discount. The full conference registration fee for USGBC Members is $600 if the registration is completed today and $700 if processed after today. Non-member registration is $775 today but jump up to $975 tomorrow.

 

Students are also eligible to take advantage of the early bird discount. Full-time students or younger professionals (25 and younger) can register for a discounted fee of $225 if the registration is processed today. If you’re a student and you wait to register, the fee jumps up to $300.00

 

There are also registration options available for those that just want to attend the exhibit hall, are attending with a spouse or business partner, want to attend only one day of the conference, and more.

For full details, visit the Greenbuild 2010 registration page.

 

Although green building is a growing trend here in the United States, it is not an entirely American phenomenon. Green building councils are popping up all across the world. When I attended Greenbuild 2009 last year, the opening night ceremonies featured representatives from Green Building Councils from all over the place. It was exciting to hear what other countries are doing to support the green building movement in their countries.

 

World Green Building Week 2010 runs from September 20-26. In celebration of the global green building movement, the World Green Building Council will be releasing a new report on Monday – “Tackling Global Climate Change – Meeting Local Priorities.”

 

In addition to the release of the report, a series of synchronized events are planned in several countries including Australia, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Morocco, Qatar, and Russia. For more information, visit the WorldGBC’s World Green Building Week website.