The WorldGBC is pleased to report that the 8th International Congress that was recently held in London was a great success - with over 120 registered delegates representing over 30 countries. The purpose of the Congress was to focus on how to maximize the impact of established national GBCs and build the momentum of GBC creation around the world.

We were honoured to host such speakers as Peter Graham of the United Nations Environment Programme – Sustainable Buildings & Construction Initiative who spoke about the international policy landscape post-Bali, Greg Kats of Good Energies Inc. who gave delegates a preview of his newest research that uncovers the current costs, benefits and trends in green building, and Karan Grover of KGA Architects who gave an inspirational presentation on how ancient civilization can help us to find solutions to climate change issues today.

We were also fortunate to have a couple of impromptu presentations from both the Chinese delegation, who spoke of recent developments in the process of forming a GBC in China, and from David Orr from Oberlin College who gave an overall perspective on climate change and the urgency for immediate action.

As the hosts for the Congress, the UK-GBC planned 3 fantastic social events for our delegates. We were all treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience of afternoon tea at the Houses of Parliament, followed by dinner with London’s Deputy Mayor overlooking the Thames River and city landscape. Finally, the Grand Evening Reception at Madame Tussauds provided the perfect opportunity to relax and have some fun with colleagues from around the world.

At the Grand Evening Reception, the WorldGBC was very pleased to recognize the Germany Sustainable Building Council as our newest full member – Congratulations to GeSBC!

We were also pleased to recognize during the Congress our new emerging members – Poland and Colombia. We look forward to welcoming them both as full members very soon.

Overall, the Congress in London provided the WorldGBC with the opportunity to catalyze the GBC movement regionally, and to build momentum behind the development of European GBCs. For those in Europe, you might be interested in participating at an upcoming eu-focused forum hosted by the GeSBC from June 17-19 in Stuttgart.

Of great importance to the WorldGBC, we were able to have some candid discussions with emerging GBCs, obtaining specific feedback from emerging GBCs on what the WorldGBC can do to help support their efforts in reaching full membership as quickly as possible. We are very pleased to observe that the number of groups approaching us with an interest in creating a GBC continues to increase. We look forward to building the capacity within the Secretariat and through peer mentorship to support each of these nations in the formation of a GBC as quickly as possible.

Thank you to all who joined us in London for the 8th International Congress!

Sincerely,

Kevin Hydes
Chair