More than two decades ago, GBA was a coalition of forward-thinking regional professionals who were interested in green building. 

The collaboration between them, supported by start-up funding from The Heinz Endowments, created the first nonprofit organization in the country to focus exclusively on the greening of a region’s commercial building sector.

Twenty-nine years later, GBA staff and its partners are still that forward-thinking and passionate group but have now established the organization as a highly credible industry leader with over 1,200 members.  Thanks to the hard work and dedication of staff, board, interns, and members throughout the years, the marketplace conversation no longer centers around “What is green building and why should I do it,” but more around “What will work best for my needs?” and “What is the next level?”  These are conversations that GBA is excited to lead.

Recognizing that there is still a long way to go, GBA continues to leverage its early work in establishing and supporting the market for first adopters of green building practices, but has focused its ongoing efforts towards the next level of market expansion to early majority adopters, with particular emphasis on converting the vast stock of existing buildings into green buildings.  This will help the organization reach its ultimate goal of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live, work, learn, play, and thrive in a healthy, high-performing building and community.