On February 26, 2008 at the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary, SMPS hosted a panel of industry experts to gain first-hand knowledge of local Green Projects and insights for the future of LEED.

The panel moderator was Rachel Cook, P.E., LEED AP, TLC Green Guides – Sustainability for Architecture. Panel members included: Doug Spencer, P.E., Orlando Utilities Commission, Chris O’Brien, AIA, CSI, CCCA, MRI Architects, Tim Ward, P.E., Limbach Engineering & Design Services, and Christina Webb, LEED AP, USGBC Central Florida.

Program Sponsors were GBS, TLC Engineering for Architecture and Robins & Morton. SMPS members and guests learned of the scrutiny of the USGBC review and turnaround time of clarifications. It was expressed that certification as a Green Building is not handed out without verification. Direct measures are being done to assure that “Green Wash” (marketing of non-regulated Green Building products) does not clout the certification process. USGBC continues to work to develop multiple standards for specific building types. Some specific projects discussed included the new OUC Administration Building and the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Building, both seeking LEED Certification and both with challenges surrounding budget and LEED point determinations.

It was clear that it is everyone’s responsibility to promote green and sustainable design, construction, and operation of buildings, and the USGBC is our partner in developing green and sustainable building standards, design practices, and technologies. “I hope we can do a follow-up next year and see how far we’ve come,” said Rachel Cook, P.E. LEED AP.

Thanks to everyone who attended this informative session.