Overview

We are an organization with representation from across the provincial building industry spectrum. Together we educate, promote and advocate for a sustainable built environment.

In 2003, two founding members fostered the formation of a provincial green building conference to educate and advocate for a sustainable healthy buildings and communities. Ray Cole participated as the keynote speaker for the first conference and over the last three years this annual event has grown to over 160 attendees. Since then the conference has welcomed speakers such as Bill Odell, Douglas Cardinal, Bob Willard, Mike Holmes, Elizabeth May and Jerry Yudelson.

Growing momentum in 2006 led to interest from many to form a provincial chapter of the CaGBC. Members in Saskatoon and Regina have assembled a motivated core group of professionals to make a sustainable chapter in Saskatchewan a reality.

Sustainable living on the Northern Great Plains is a challenge, like many endeavours on the prairies. Challenge has always led us to innovation and innovation to success. We respect our environment, we seek harmony with it and promote its sustainable stewardship.

Vision

To ensure Saskatchewan becomes a leader in the sustainability of buildings and communities.

Mission

To research, acquire and provide resources to our members. To initiate, advocate, engage, inspire, challenge, and stimulate those we work with and to recognize and celebrate successes.

To engage citizens in continual learning and application of sustainable design, construction and operation of facilities and communities, enabling healthy places to live work and play that are socially, environmentally and economically responsible.

Goals

Ensure cohesion with the CaGBC National Strategic Plan. Be responsible ‘corporate’ citizens in supporting other chapters, the Canada Green Building Council and Green Building internationally.

To treasure our part of the planet, and ensure the quality of life for all in this thin, living biosphere who will be directly affected by our will and skill in responsible environmental stewardship.

Increase current understanding and awareness of green building principles, and see them applied in practice: publicize the local and global benefits. Actively recruit and market to local and regional groups and provide access to resources and training with a wide range of tools.

Grow substantially and reach not only the designers, owners and builders but also governing and regulating authorities, the regional community and general public. Monitor progress and maintain effective leadership in these areas, and ensure our goals are relevant to those we serve.

Background and Context

Saskatchewan has an active and growing economy with an eager community of green building professionals and aspirants. The Saskatchewan Forestry Centre is the first LEED Gold building in the province and major institutions such as the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Government Services and Innovation Place have utilized the LEED rating systems.

During our first year as an organizing group, we worked with a variety of partners and continue to pursue the development of the green building industry in Saskatchewan. In addition to periodic events, we will host the eighth annual Building Saskatchewan Green Conference in 2011.