2011 and beyond: Continuing to make a difference

By Michael Gianchetta, USGBC2011 is coming to end, as are my responsibilities as chairman of the Long Island Chapter of the USGBC, on January 1, 2012. This end is once again a new beginning, with market transformation here to stay. Armed with greater awareness and well documented, social, environmental, and the economic benefits of green building, my fellow leaders and members of the chapter continue to change the landscape of Long Island, forever. Once considered the birthplace of suburban sprawl, today Long Island is nationally recognized as a leader in environmental stewardship for creating solutions in the construction and development of healthy, environmentally friendly buildings and communities. 2011 has been another significant year for our Long Island Chapter. With the first order of business complete, naming of one of our founding members, Vince Capogna, as USGBC-LI's first executive director. This very important step insured continuity and leadership at the helm for years to come. Ready to move ahead, we continued to see our committees populated with very dedicated and talented individuals. Their tireless efforts produced and provided education programs and events beyond compare. We kicked off 2011 with a very successful, informative, standing room only Full Day, multi accredited continuing education seminar. This unique, interactive program featured a number of companies and experts from Canada in the field of green building solutions and principles. This excellent education and networking opportunity was followed by the first of many events on the East End hosted by our newly formed East End Committee. Despite this year's difficult economic climate, another successful annual Green Building Gala in March and the Summer Clambake once again demonstrated the commitment and importance of our members and supporters, who are the backbone of this never more important 5O1c3 charitable organization. Working together and collaborating with other organizations, like Habitat for Humanity, The United Way, the Town of Babylon, Stony Brook University, other USGBC chapters and more, we are achieving our mission and reaching our goals. Long Island and the country have and will continue to see more of our schools, hospitals, commercial buildings and homes built better and more importantly, to LEED guidelines. Whether it's the Wyandanch LEED for Neighborhood Development community revitalization project, a Commercial Interiors(CI), Existing Building(EB), New Construction(NC), or the upcoming Attainable LI LEED Home design competition, Long Islanders are proud to be seen as true leaders in green building principles and practices. The chapter welcomes and recognizes these highlighted projects and many others. Our well organized LEED Plaque ceremony and evening program tour event for those successfully, completed LEED projects is a special one of a kind event. USGBC -LI and its members are here to educate, advocate, and network with each other. Join and get involved. For those who have attended any of our study group classes, scholarship recipient dinners, programs or events know we are making a difference and having a good time doing it. These significant accomplishments are possible only with the generous and continued commitment and contributions of our members, sponsors and collaborative partners. I look forward to staying involved and working closely with the newly elected, incoming executive board and welcoming the soon to be new members of the 2012 board of directors. 2011 has been a very rewarding and productive year. I am humbled, honored, grateful and thank you for the privilege and opportunity to chair and be part of such an important organization. There are still many challenges to overcome, but thankfully, with a newly occupied office, located in RXR's, 150 Motor Parkway building, and no shortage of commitment and professionalism, we will continue to make a difference and meet our goals for 2012 and beyond. As the Ancient American Indian saying goes, "Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children." Michael Gianchetta, LEED AP, is the chairman of U.S. Green Building Council-LI Chapter and vice president of GIANCO Environmental Services, Brentwood, N.Y.