The Savannah Branch of the USGBC-GA Chapter is a diverse group of people interested in learning more about green building and sustainable design. Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings and training seminars. Our usual mix consists of architects, interior designers, students, contractors, professors, engineers, property owners and many other professions.
The Savannah Branch hosts its monthly Green Scene networking event on the fourth Tuesday of every month in downtown Savannah. There is complimentary food, a cash bar, networking and an educational event at each meeting.
Savannah Branch Key Initiatives:
Green Schools
High performance, healthy schools not only save energy, water, and more resources, but they also provide a better learning environment through improved indoor air quality, access to daylight and natural views, better acoustics, and more. The Savannah Branch is working with local school boards to serve as a resource and encourage adoption of green schools policies.
Affordable Housing
The Savannah Branch is proud to be working with the Historic Savannah Foundation, SCAD, AIA, Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity, the City of Savannah, and other community partners to create a replicable, sustainable model for affordable housing. Funded by a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the initial project will focus on an infill home in the Cuyler-Brownville neighborhood.
Education
Transforming the built environment is the core mission of the US Green Building Council and education is one of our primary vehicles. The Savannah Branch is increasing our educational offerings by continuing the Monthly Green Scenes every 4th Tuesday of the month, but also offering more Lunch-N-Learn opportunities, LEED workshops, and Continuing Maintenance offerings.
Partnerships
Building from the strong success of the partnership with DIRTT for the screening of Carbon Nation in 2011, and candidate forums co-hosted with the Savannah Bicycle Campaign, the Savannah Branch continues to work with business and like-minded non-profit organizations to co-host events beneficial to our membership and to the community.
Access to Green Buildings
Seeing is believing, so providing access to real-world green buildings and products is a big part of what we do. In 2012, we are looking forward to showcasing the great examples of LEED buildings in coastal Georgia. We are also hard at work in planning 2013’s GPEX – our flagship Green Product Expo. We’re taking the year off for GPEX in 2012 so we can plan an even bigger and better show in 2013!
Branch Leadership Group (BLG):
The Savannah Branch follows the national organization's lead in working primarily through committees that form partnerships and strategic alliances with the other Chapter branches and regional organizations. These committees are typically led by a Chairperson, with a Board Member serving as a liasion for strategic guidance, and are supported by a Co-Chair as well as volunteers.
The Savannah BLG includes:
Honor Hutton, Thomas & Hutton, Chair
Mike English, Queensboro National Bank & Trust, Chair Elect
Ellen Harris, Metropolitan Planning Commission, Secretary
Jessica Pedigo, Seacrest Partners, Treasurer
Mark Fitzpatrick, JT Turner Construction, Immediate Past Chair
Roger Bowman, Gulfstream
Don Ernst, Kool Coatings, LLC
Denise Grabowski, Symbioscity
Buzzy Hill, Mingledorff's
Garrison Marr, City of Savannah
Sam Olin, Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD)
Suzanne Shelledy
Jean Uhl, Georgia Southern University
Teresa Wade, Experience Green
Branch Committees:
If you are interested in serving in any capacity on one or more of our local Branch committees, please feel free to contact the designated Chair via the links provided.
Educational Programs & Events
The Education & Events Committee in the Savannah Branch is responsible for planning all of the Branch events including monthly educational sessions/meetings, Credential Maintenance Programs, Lunch & Learns, Networking, Tours, and more! Overall, this committee furthers the mission of the USGBC through quality education in the State of Georgia.
Participation on this committee is a great opportunity for members to become directly involved as a volunteer for the events that bring our Chapter together for learning, networking, and fun. For more information about this committee, you can contact us here.
Chair: Buzzy Hill, Mingledorff's
Membership
The Membership Committee in the Savannah Branch focuses on ways to grow Chapter membership, increase benefits for Chapter members, and ensure that new members understand how to best participate in their local Branch activities. The Branch Membership Committee is also the liaison group with National USGBC regarding membership applications and renewals.
For questions about membership please contact us here.
Chair: Don Ernst, Kool Coatings, LLC
Liasons to Chapter Committees
The Savannah Branch has members that represent the branch as liasons to the Georgia Chapter Committees. Please visit the individual committee pages for more information about the work each committee performs.
Communications: Ellen Harris, Metropolitan Planning Commission
Sponsorship: Teresa Wade, Experience Green
Advocacy: Denise Grabowski, Symbioscity
