San Diego Region
San Diego Regional Leadership Advisory Board
San Diego Regional Leadership Advisory Board
The San Diego Regional Leadership Advisory Board (RLAB) is a community of local professionals in the building and sustainability fields. Our members have expertise in areas such as architecture, construction, design, urban planning, policy, and more. We work together to support sustainable building and community practices that help San Diego meet its goals for climate, water, waste, and energy.
Leadership and Purpose
- Regional Leadership Advisory Boards (RLABS) are comprised of passionate leaders who advance transformational communities in their regions across California.
- RLABs build local capacity by developing an initiative (programs or events) that directly benefits members in the region and serves as an active pipeline for community engagement, network development, and impact.
- RLAB members are responsible for generating ideas and initiatives that address local community needs while aligning with USGBC-CA’s mission. RLABs will direct and advise on regional advocacy while providing feedback on statewide or federal policy.
Meet your San Diego RLAB Leaders
Our History
In 2002, a group of local leaders in San Diego recognized the urgent need for better, more sustainable building practices. They came together to form the San Diego Green Building Council, initially as a chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. This connection linked San Diego to a powerful nationwide network dedicated to transforming the built environment.
Over the years, as the sustainability movement evolved, so did San Diego’s focus. What began with green building grew into a broader commitment, addressing climate change, impact investing, resilient design, and driving positive community change.
In April 2024, San Diego took its next big step by unifying with other regional communities across California to become part of USGBC California, an independent nonprofit. This unification has strengthened San Diego’s ability to lead important conversations, offer education, and engage the community on the frontlines of sustainability.
Today, as a vital part of USGBC California, San Diego continues to inspire and empower professionals and residents alike, helping build a more resilient and sustainable future for the region and beyond.
Milestones
- 1999: Ridgehaven Green Office Building is completed by the City of San Diego, becoming the first Energy Star Certified building in the world. This project was instrumental in launching the national U.S. Green Building Council and many of San Diego’s local architects, advocates, and other professionals were involved in the process. You can learn more about the story of Ridgehaven and the role of our community members in the book, Explosion Green by David Gottfried.
- 2002: San Diego Region Organizing Group forms as a region of the US Green Building Council.
- 2005: San Diego USGBC Region Articles of Incorporation filed
- 2007: IRS Status Granted as a 501(c)(3) public benefit nonprofit corporation.
- 2011: The San Diego Region opens its first physical office space, at the DPR Construction building in Kearny Mesa. The facility is the first net-zero energy retrofit office building in the County.
- 2011: The San Diego Region becomes one of the first in the country to host the Living Building Challenge Collaborative.
- 2015: As the USGBC network evolves, the San Diego Region chooses to maintain its own 501(c)(3) designation and continue to align with the US Green Building Council network.
- 2016: SDGBC relocates to East Village BNIM office in an effort to play a more visible role in San Diego’s rapidly developing urban core.
- 2019: SDGBC solidifies its role as the USGBC aligned community and rebrands officially as the San Diego Green Building Council to signal its focus on the local implementation of sustainability and green building values.
- 2021: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SDGBC’s office moves to completely remote and continues its transition to hybrid operations with virtual education and in person events throughout the county.
- 2022: SDGBC completes the rebranding process by changing its legal name to San Diego Green Building Council.
- 2024: In April 2024, the San Diego Green Building Council, originally founded in collaboration with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), unified with the other regional communities across the state to become USGBC California, an independent nonprofit. The USGBC-SD Region of USGBC California will be led by volunteers selected as the Regional Leadership Advisory Board, supporting the long-standing region’s strength of knowledge and local leadership.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Our workshops, events, and hands-on sessions focus on sustainability, green building practices, and leadership in the built environment. Join us for expert-led learning opportunities, networking, and real-world strategies that empower professionals to drive change and advance sustainable solutions in the industry.
Committees
Our community is authentic, inspiring, and purpose-driven, and we want you to be part of it! We work alongside each other with a sense of collective purpose, a focus on higher learning, and an ever-present awareness of the impacts of the work we do.
This committee creates a space for people to connect, share ideas, and work together to promote healthy, sustainable, affordable, and green homes.
We focus on making sure everyone has access to the information, tools, and technology needed to build and live in greener homes. Through education, training, and outreach, we aim to raise awareness, share knowledge, and support innovation in sustainable housing.
This committee is a space for women+ and allies to connect, support each other, and make a positive impact in San Diego. We focus on building strong networks, celebrating women leaders, and helping create communities that are healthy, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient for everyone.
Home Tours
Join our San Diego Green Homes Tours to explore sustainable homes, meet experts, and learn about the latest in green building and design.
Organized by USGBC-CA’s San Diego Region (formerly the San Diego Green Building Council), these self-guided tours highlight homes that lead the way in energy efficiency and sustainability.
See what green living looks like, one inspiring home at a time!
Become a Member!
Become a Member!
Our community is authentic, inspiring, and purpose-driven, and we want you to be part of it! We work alongside each other with a sense of collective purpose, a focus on higher learning, and an ever-present awareness of the impacts of the work we do.
Volunteer
Volunteer
We’re seeking passionate volunteers to contribute to impactful projects, events, and programs in the San Diego area. By volunteering, you’ll expand your professional network, gain hands-on experience, and help transform our built environment. To get involved, please submit your interest through our volunteer form.
Join our San Diego Community Hub!
Ready to connect and collaborate? Access the San Diego Community Hub today and join a network of passionate individuals driving positive change. Be part of the conversation, share ideas, and help shape the future!
Contact Us!
Want to learn more, have questions, or need additional information? We’re here to help! Whether you’re seeking more details about our programs, events, or membership, we’re just a message away!
