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George Bandy, Jr.
VP of Government and Institutional Strategy--Interface Flooring
Systems, Inc. Chairman of Atlanta Regional USGBC; Southface
Board Member |
Dear Reader,
The Atlanta Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
aims to serve our region by providing a central resource
for green building assistance, educating local professionals
in green building practices and encouraging the widespread
acceptance of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED™) building standard. As one of only six USGBC
Affiliates, Southface has played an extraordinary role in
accomplishing these goals. The fruits of the Atlanta Regional
USGBC’s affiliation with Southface have been remarkable:
Atlanta ranks among the top ten metropolitan areas in the
nation for number of LEED registered buildings; Atlanta has
one of the largest populations of LEED accredited professionals;
and the Atlanta City Council has passed an ordinance that
all new City buildings will meet the standards of LEED Silver
or better. It’s no wonder that Southface will co-host the
USGBC’s Greenbuild Conference in Atlanta in 2005. Both Southface
and USGBC staff and volunteers are already hard at work planning
a wonderful event. |
| As President of the Atlanta Chapter of the U.S. Green Building
Council, I enjoy a unique opportunity to extend the reach
of my volunteer leadership role by also serving on the Southface
Board of Directors. Southface holds a seat on its board for
the USGBC Atlanta Chapter President, demonstrating the collaborative,
inclusive spirit that has guided the organization for more
than a quarter century.
I am also proud of the friendship between Southface and
my employer, Interface. If you have ever toured the Southface
Resource Center, you have seen our products put to good use.
Our company’s name stands among other respected businesses
and individuals who contribute annual support. Interface
founder, Ray Anderson received Southface’s inaugural Argon
Award for Success in Sustainability.
Today, Interface and many other product manufacturers are
in conversation with Southface about their new Eco Office
demonstration facility. We believe our investment in the
Southface Eco Office is an opportunity to advance Southface’s
mission to promote sustainable homes, workplaces and communities,
which has always meant environmental and economic benefits
for our region.
In this issue of the Southface Journal, you will learn more
about new programs and initiatives at Southface and the USGBC.
Years ago, the word “sustainability” meant nothing to many
of us. You may still be working to understand it. Now, our
growing community - design, development and construction
professionals, policy makers, educators, manufacturers, corporate
leaders and concerned citizens - is poised at an exciting
point, building great momentum toward a sustainable future.
If you are not already a member of Southface or the USGBC
Atlanta Chapter, I hope you will join us soon on our journey.
George Bandy, Jr.
VP of Government and Institutional Strategy--Interface Flooring
Systems, Inc. Chairman of Atlanta Regional USGBC; Southface
Board Member
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