• 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.

Our Roots: Pioneering Sustainable Construction

Since its founding in 2000, the Redwood Empire chapter has served as a pioneering force for sustainable construction in Northern California. Originally formed as a localized county alliance during the early modern environmental movement, our volunteer-driven organization quickly scaled its efforts to translate emerging sustainability concepts into concrete local realities. By championing landmark early projects—such as assisting with the first LEED-certified building in Sonoma County—we proved the viability of green building to early adopters, local policymakers, and the broader construction industry, laying the historic groundwork for widespread regional acceptance.

Our Impact: Building Regional Resilience

Over the decades, the Redwood Empire chapter evolved into the primary professional network for a vast seven-county region, creating a robust community of practice through strategic partnerships and hands-on professional development. As our region faced historic challenges from a changing climate, we adapted our mission to address urgent community needs. In the wake of the 2017 Tubbs Fire, we supported direct disaster recovery by organizing the Rebuild Green Expo, bridging the gap between standard energy efficiency and the necessity for fire-hardened, climate-smart rebuilding. From pioneering educational tours of sustainable Ukiah timberlands to supporting CTE training for youth, we have consistently ensured that true sustainability begins at the source.

Our Future: A Unified California Network

Today, the culmination of our persistent local advocacy lives on as the Redwood Empire chapter joins forces with five other regional communities to form the unified, statewide USGBC California network. This strategic unification amplifies our grassroots voice, translating decades of local credibility and specialized regional knowledge into powerful state-level advocacy. Operating through our dedicated Regional Leadership Advisory Board, we ensure that future statewide green building policies and climate initiatives remain deeply rooted in the practical realities, historical lessons, and diverse needs of our local communities.