2010 has come and gone. It is now time to look at the year ahead.
2011 will see the chapter expand our relationships with groups and organizations like Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Stonybrook University and other USGBC chapters. Our achievements have been recognized by USGBC National and others for our ongoing collaboration and partnering efforts. Highlighted projects included a LEED Gold rating for a Habitat for Humanity Home, an expected Silver or Gold rating for a total gut-rehab project, at no additional building cost, with the United Way of LI, and town of Babylon's Green Home program along with many others.
2011 will see our chapter continue to support the many organizations and individuals such as the town of Babylon's Supervisor, Steve Bellone; last year's gala honoree NorthShore-LIJ President and CEO Michael Dowling; this year's honorees Kulka Construction president, Jack Kulka, and New York Power Authority president and CEO, Richard Kessel for their initiatives, efforts and commitment to green building and US Green Building Councils LEED standards.
2011 will also see more buildings and renovations built to LEED. Starting with the chapter's exciting and soon-to-be completed LEED space and new home in Hauppauge. This significant step for the chapter will complement our mission statement of transforming the marketplace by again proving environmental, social, and economical responsibilities have and can be met. We want everyone to know of these commitments, successes and achievements and that we are here as a valuable and very helpful resource proudly recognizing their efforts and achieved LEED projects. We plan to do it even more this year with, a plaque ceremony program for those who are interested in highlighting their successfully completed projects. Clearly our efforts are seen by anyone who has attended our events: the gala, clambake, scholarship award recipient banquets, LEED plaque ceremonies or others. We are truly making a difference.
Under the leadership of our immediate past chair and newly named first executive director, Vince Capogna, the Long Island chapter had our most accomplished year. We made and will continue to make significant strides in transforming how our hospitals, buildings and homes are being built by repeatedly demonstrating LEED buildings are and can be attainable, replicable and affordable for everyone.
Our committees continue to be led and populated with talented, enthusiastic individuals and we can expect more terrific things from them to come. 2011 will also see more well prepared and produced education programs such as our very successful, informative, standing room only, Show Me the Money event that kicked off 2010.
We welcome in this year with a very informative, interactive, Full Day multi accredited, and continuing education seminar featuring a number of green building solutions, principles and great networking at Carlyle on the Green on January 25. This excellent educational and networking opportunity is followed by our January 27th Sustainable Cocktails East event sponsored by Telemark Home Builders and Hamptons Green Alliance.
The first of many hosted by our newly formed East End Committee. Future East End events will include programs tailored to educate and advocate the benefits and positive effects of green building on the East End. 2011 will also bring a very comprehensive and interesting Design Competition being announced very shortly.
Last year we also received our first of three grants for the year and anticipate many more to come. The largest, a NYSERDA grant for the Chapter is to create a new Certification program to expand our educational reach to various places across the State such as the Syracuse Center of Excellence, a LEED Platinum facility dedicated to green building excellence and innovation. Updated Corporate sponsorship packages and newly, created individual giving opportunities are available. These Resource Development initiatives and our members support ensure the financial needs of the Chapter are met and will continue to help us meet our needs and goals ahead.
I look forward to another rewarding and very productive year. I am honored, and grateful for the privilege and opportunity to LEED our important organization. While there are challenges to overcome, there are great achievements and opportunities ahead for all of us.

Michael Gianchetta, LEED AP, is the chairman of US Green Building Council-LI Chapter and vice president of GIANCO Environmental Services, Brentwood, N.Y. Tags: