The Green Building Initiative’s (GBI) mission is to accelerate the adoption of practical, credible building practices that result in energy-efficient, healthy, and environmentally sustainable homes and commercial buildings. To this end, GBI introduced Green Globes™ environmental assessment and rating tool in the U.S. in 2004. It’s an online green management tool that offers an interactive, flexible, and affordable approach to environmental design. It includes an assessment protocol, rating system, and guide for integrating environmentally friendly design into commercial buildings. Once a project is complete, Green Globes also facilitates recognition of the project through third-party verification. GBI is an accredited standards developer under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and has begun the process to establish Green Globes as an official ANSI standard. Professionals involved in the design or management of commercial buildings can access Green Globes at no charge; however, a fee is charged to receive third-party verification. Find more information at www.thegbi.org/residential.

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