Washington, DC -- Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has been elected chair of the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC).  The WorldGBC is a coalition of green building councils from 89 countries around the world.

"I've watched in awe as the green building movement has grown on a global scale-as people from widely different backgrounds, countries and industries have united under a common commitment to building a healthier, more sustainable world," said Fedrizzi. "I'm humbled to be a part of this massive movement, and honored to serve the WorldGBC and its global members."

Part of Fedrizzi's plan as WorldGBC chair is to raise the global awareness of the WorldGBC while at same time advancing the voice of each country and region.

"We will invite diverse multi-national stakeholders to support WorldGBC and to have a voice in its development," continued Fedrizzi, who noted that he wants to be able to grow, mentor and nurture the individual green building councils across the globe.

"Now with 89 countries, the WorldGBC has reached a critical mass, demonstrating that industry leadership in collaboration with government provides a very positive and progressive method of change," said Jane Henley, CEO, WorldGBC. "Rick has been empowering leaders to start GBCs in their own countries since the beginning and it is fitting that Rick takes the helm in our tenth year of existence."

As the largest international organization working to transform the building market, the WorldGBC is globalizing environmentally and socially responsible building practices. Founded in 1999, WorldGBC fosters and supports new and emerging green building councils by providing them with the tools and strategies to establish strong organizations and leadership positions in their countries.

Fedrizzi, who was USGBC's founding chair, was appointed president and CEO in 2004 following a 25-year career as a Fortune 500 executive.  Under his leadership, USGBC has tripled its membership, broadened its influence and cemented its role as a leadership voice in the global sustainability movement through efforts such as its LEED green building program, the International Greenbuild Annual Conference & Expo and the LEED Professional Credential program.

USGBC's LEED green building rating system is the foremost program for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of green buildings, with more than 110,000 building projects currently participating in the LEED rating systems.  LEED comprises more than 8.6 billion square feet of construction space in 120 countries around the world and is certifying 1.4 million sf per day.  Fedrizzi is also a founding officer of the WorldGBC.

"During my chairmanship, I hope to build on the strong work of my predecessor Tony Arnel by establishing a mentorship program, helping newly founded councils get off the ground, and expanding and strengthening the current committee structure," added Fedrizzi who will take the reins from Arnel in January 2012. Arnel has served as WGBC chair for the past three years and is also chair of the Green Building Council of Australia. 

Source: WorldGBC