The WNCGBC began as a casual gathering of five building professionals over food and drink in the spring of 2000. A common desire to educate others on the health and environmental impacts of design and construction led to the official formation of the council.
In 2001, the WNCGBC organized, along with then Asheville mayor Leni Sitnick, a Mayor's Roundtable presentation on residential green building programs. Over the next several years, the council continued to grow, and organized dozens of educational events, tours, publications and workshops.
In 2003, members of the WNCGBC joined a statewide task force and the NC Solar Center in writing guidelines for North Carolina's own green building program titled NC HealthyBuilt Homes.
As of 2005 WNCGBC had grown to nearly 100 members and as of 2006 we have grown to over 200 members. We have been awarded several grants and hosted various educational programs. We are implementing the pilot program of the NC HealthyBuilt Homes in Asheville. In addition to the many successful Business Memberships, we are starting a HealthyBuilt Homes Sponsorship Program! Check back to the membership page for more information soon.
As of 2006 we are proud to have 38 certified HealthBuilt Homes and 378 homes in progress! For more information visit http://www.HealthyBuiltAsheville.org.
Past and Recent Achievements include:
- Community Foundation of WNC grant - NC HealthyBuilt Homes program -June 2005
- Local Administrator for NC HealthyBuilt Homes, 2004
- LEED consultation for Eastern Band of Cherokee School Campus, 2004 - present
- LEED consultation for Eblen Foundation Center for Social Enterprise, 2004 - present
- NC Statewide Green Building Task Force - green building program guidelines, 2003
- WNC Green Building Directory - 2002-2003, 2004-2005, and 2006-2007
- Green Building Hotline, which assists over 200 architects, builders and homeowners per year in finding sustainable building materials, technologies and professionals. 828.254-1995, Rachel@wncgbc.org
- Smart Growth Partners - Environment Award 2002, WNC Green Building Directory
- Million Solar Roofs Initiative- partner since 2003
- State Energy Office grant - co-sponsored with Mountain Housing Opportunities for the development of the green affordable housing project Prospect Terrace 2004-2005
- HOME House Project, sustainable and affordable homes exhibit - sponsor and education and tour coordinator with Neighborhood Housing Services and Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation
- Conducting green building tours of local homes and commercial building that demonstrate the technologies and materials we strive to promote
- Partnering with the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project in organizing two annual Energy Smart Schools Conferences to educate teachers and facilities managers from 13 school districts about the advantages of energy efficiency, renewable energy and green building
- WNC Green Building Newsletter - The Greener Side
- WNCGBC Website - http://www.wncgbc.org
- Green Building Public Forums - educational workshops, 2002 - present
- Green Design Charrette- Health Adventure, children's science museum
- Green Design Charrette - Jubilee Community, building renovation
- Green Design Charrette - Prospect Terrace, affordable and sustainable housing development
- Mayor's Roundtable event - introduction to green building programs, 2001
- Non-profit corporation, 501(c)(3) - status received January 5, 2001
