Louisiana Chapter Strategic Plan for 2009-2011

Adopted January 13, 2009

I. Executive Summary

The following USGBC-LA Strategic Plan describes how time and resources of its members, volunteers, funding sources and various supporters are used to actualize its vision and achieve its mission during the next three years. Each year the leadership of the organization will revisit the Plan and update it as necessary.

The objective of the plan is to align our purposes and actions so that the Board can make the best use of our resources while attaining our long-term objectives. This plan is presented as an evolving document. The planning process for our organization needs to be a continuous, systematic effort, refocusing as necessary to ensure that our endeavors are directed at achieving our goals.

The Strategic Plan is composed of the eight sections outlined above plus an appendix titled “Work Plan Database.” After this Executive Summary (I), the Introduction (II) explains how and why the Plan was formed. The section for Mission, Vision, Commitments and Motto (III) portrays the overall direction and idealized future of the Chapter. Then, Goals and Objectives (IV) are outlined using six goal areas – organizational excellence, green building marketplace, sustainable cities & communities, public policy, climate & natural resources and international. Section IV outlines the scope of each goal as well as prioritizes objectives. Objectives are given “Start Time Frames” to denote when actions are expected to begin over the next three years. Those slated to begin in the upcoming year are further specified by quarter and list the person’s name and position that is responsible for overseeing the “Work Plan”. The Work Plan is the detailed set of actions, measurable outcomes and deadlines associated with the objective.

The Chapter’s Programs and Committees (V) are listed to show the current organizational structure used to deliver on the Plan’s objectives. Next, the Strategic Plan Maintenance (VI) method details how the document is controlled, updated, reviewed and accountability for delivering on goals is ensured. After the Conclusion (VII), the Board of Directors and Committee Chairs section (VIII) gives the current USGBC personnel serving on the Board and various Programs and Committees.

The Appendix – “Work Plan Database” – is an Excel file located on the Chapter Extranet at http://extranet.chapters.usgbc.org/rc/sc/Louisiana/default.aspx. It is the engine of the Strategic Plan that lays out, step-by-step, the actions necessary for delivering on objectives.

II. Introduction

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) was formed in 1993 in an effort to meet building industry needs and provide a single entity to encourage integration, leadership and education in sustainable design and building. This consensus-based group of building professionals has fulfilled this need, becoming the center for action on environmental issues facing the industry's multiple interests. Members of the U.S. Green Building Council in the Louisiana area want to establish a firm foundation of support for promoting and encouraging environmentally sound design and building practices. Due to past damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, portions of our state are experiencing a significant increase in demolition re-construction and new construction of buildings and infrastructure. Therefore, it is critical an effective local Chapter of the USGBC exists in order for a green rebuilding of Louisiana to be realized.

The USGBC- Louisiana Chapter (USGBC- LA) will make a positive impact on the State's design and construction environment by accelerating the adoption of green building practices, technologies, policies and standards. It is part of our organizations mission to strongly promote these principles and strategies in our state. Due to the advent of the natural disasters that have plagued certain areas, we recognize that there is a rare opportunity to define building best practices that are sustainable, achievable and regionally appropriate. The Chapter's membership will be open, strive for balance, and will be comprised of leaders and visionaries from all segments of the building industry, including product manufacturers, environmental organizations, building owners, building professionals, utilities, local and state government agencies, research institutions, professional societies, public schools and universities. This type of representation provides a unique, integrated platform. The Chapter's growth and acceptance will be achieved by implementing the strategies and goals outlined in the Strategic Plan.

History

With the prompting of Chris Bankston, several USGBC members in Louisiana began informal meetings in the April of 2005 to discuss formation of a State Chapter of the USGBC. A decision was made to proceed with Chapter formation. A Letter of Intent (LOI) was submitted to USGBC National on August 18, 2005 and was approved on August 30, 2005. This step made the group an official USGBC Organizing Group for the State of Louisiana. On January 19, 2006 the Organizing Group elected Christopher Bankston and Nicholas Musso to represent our group in the South Central Region.

The original Strategic Plan (Version 1.0 for 2006-2008) was drafted in 2005 with the help and input of numerous individuals and organizations that were willing to share their planning information with our group including chapter leadership, committee chairpersons, and individual members.

Version 2.0 (2009-2011) was drafted in December 2008. The Board members revisited goal areas and objectives based on the Chapter’s internal status and external environment. The Plan underwent substantial changes from V 1.0 in order to clarify objectives, ensure accountability and align with National’s 2009-2013 Strategic Plan. It was approved by the Board at the annual retreat in January 2009.

III. USGBC-LA Vision, Mission, Commitment & Motto

Vision: Buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within one generation.

Mission: As Louisiana rebuilds its gulf-coast economy and wetlands, USGBC-LA will provide a visible platform for advancing sustainable building principles that transforms the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.

Commitments:
o Promote sustainable planning, design, construction, and operation of the built environment to state and local governments, the building industry, and the general public.
o Introduce and encourage the use of the LEED Green Building Rating SystemTM and additional tools and standards for certifying sustainable buildings.
o Restore and protect our natural habitats through outreach and education.
o Integrate our unique cultural experiences with new green building technology to improve the performance of buildings and transform the quality of life in our communities.
o Serve as a vehicle to assist in reviewing proposals for upcoming projects.
o Revise and modify the LEED Rating System to achieve its maximum potential for our region.

Motto: Laissez Les Vert Temps Roulez! (Let the Green Times Roll!)

IV. Priority Goals

1. Organizational Excellence
2. Green Building Marketplace
3. Sustainable Cities & Communities
4. Public Policy
5. Climate & Natural Resources
6. International (to be revisited in 2010)

Goal 1: Organizational Excellence

Overview: The purpose of Organizational Excellence is to build the Chapter’s capacity to deliver results and be leaders. To this end, internal objectives are created that focus on the Board, volunteers and membership. The Board must understand its roles and that of its partners as well as have a clear process for decision-making and sustaining the Chapter. Volunteers will be engaged, empowered to lead initiatives and effective at completing their objectives. Members will be proactively recruited and retained. Measurement and accountability will be inherently built into Chapter operations.

Goal Statement: USGBC-LA will be a well governed and fiscally sound organization with effective, empowered leadership.

Objectives:
1. Provide clear roles and responsibilities for all volunteer and professional positions and bodies of the organization
2. Evolve Board from tactical to strategic
a) Membership Plan
b) Volunteer Plan
c) Use of measurable deliverables
3. Ensure an effective linkage, coordination and communication structure
4. Enhance website to include local sustainability news, calendar and resources.
5. Determine and implement a unified, harmonized and system-wide governance process
6. Adapt / create committees
7. Diversify the Board, volunteer leadership and membership to provide broader perspective and engagement
8. Create a plan for increasing funding raising / revenue

Goal 2: Green Building Marketplace

Overview: The purpose of a Green Building Marketplace is to drive an overall increase in the market’s capacity for green building by engaging and educating critical stakeholders in the building industry - including builders, bankers, appraisers and insurers. These stakeholders often hold misperceptions about green building and/or are not informed about the benefits available.

Goal Statement: The USGBC Louisiana Chapter will be recognized as the regional authority on green building and the building related aspects of sustainable development by business leaders, media, non-governmental organizations (NGO’s), educators, practitioners and consumers. These stakeholders will be given 1) access to initial green building education and encouragement to get involved and 2) retention resources once pursuing projects.

Objectives:
1. Incorporate EGB into Chapter operations
2. Increase LEED built
a) Engagement of “non-involved” stakeholders
b) Support for “currently involved” stakeholders
3. Provide "LEED project support" for key building organizations to help LEED project managers navigate the LEED process.
4. Educate relevant sectors of the ‘built’ community by expanding training opportunities
5. Increase access of the underserved community to green building

Goal 3: Sustainable Cities & Communities

Overview: Sustainable Cities and Communities go beyond new buildings to address community aspects such as urban renewal, rebuilding initiatives and neighborhood development. The Chapter’s entire suite of engagement programs and will be used to promote sustainable cities within our impacted communities.

Goal Statement: USGBC-LA will use bring green building and community development practices into the local community, including underserved areas, by promoting LEED programs and creating consumer awareness.

Objectives:
1. Expand and promote use of LEED programs
2. Collaborate on social justice and quality of life initiatives
3. Follow the USGBC Green Meetings Initiative

Goal 4: Public Policy

Overview: Support from local and state governments can be instrumental in the proliferation of green building. USGBC Chapters through Public Policy goals will promote green building policies and regulations for continual improvement, removal of barriers, and addition of incentives to meet performance standards. As a part of public policy work, coalitions will be created to forward green building policy at all levels of government.

Goal Statement: The USGBC Louisiana Chapter will advocate for effective and comprehensive green building policy and codes at local and state levels of Louisiana government.

Objectives:
1. Catalyze governments to promote green building and implement policy
2. Enable members to advocate for public policy
3. Explore government grant funding opportunities
4. Coordinate with National USGBC on Local and State Advocacy Chapter Initiatives
5. Coordinate with National USGBC on Green Schools Chapter Initiatives

Goal 5: Climate & Natural Resources

Overview: Climate change has continued to raise societal concerns regarding the impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Since buildings through their construction and operation release significant amounts GHG emissions and contribute to climate change, the building community has the opportunity and responsibility to forward a solution.

Goal Statement: Promote the management and reduction of greenhouse gases.

Objectives:
1. Recognize companies on website who measure / manage their carbon footprint

Goal 6: International

Overview: The USGBC has the opportunity to influence and support a worldwide transformation in the design, construction, and operation of buildings and communities. Expanding beyond our borders to support through collaboration with like-minded organizations in other countries should be the long-term goal of all USGBC chapters.

Goal Statement: Since the USGBC-LA Chapter is still in the growth phases, international efforts will be revisited in FY 2010 once paid staff is on board.

V. Programs & Committees

The Chapter plans to encourage and serve local and national membership from a broad geographic region, permitting members to affiliate as they so choose. The Chapter will follow USGBC's lead in terms of working primarily through committees. Committees will form partnerships and strategic alliances with other regional organizations to accomplish region-wide consensus on key tools, products, programs and events. The USGBC’s Louisiana Chapter is currently using the following programs and committees:

▪ Advocacy ▪ By-laws ▪ Education
▪ Emerging Green Builders ▪ Finance ▪ Green Residential
▪ Green Schools ▪ Membership ▪ Social Justice
▪ Board Development ▪ Programs ▪ Sponsorship
▪ Public Relations (Sub-committee: Webmaster)

VI. Strategic Plan Maintenance

The Strategic Plan is a controlled, living document and will be maintained as follows:

* ANNUAL REVIEW - The Strategic Plan will be reviewed annually during the 4th quarter by the Board and/or outside support that is familiar with Chapter operations (i.e. a Chapter Growth Consultant).
o Each objective will be evaluated as to whether it should remain in the plan.
o New objectives should be proposed as appropriate.
o USGBC Chapter Initiatives should be considered as potential objectives.
o Work plans should be updated or created as required including measurable outcomes.
o Updates should be submitted to the USGBC Chapter Coordinator for the South Central Region.
* REVISION TRACKING - Changes with approvals made to this strategic plan are documented in Section IX. Any recommended changes to the Strategic Plan during the annual review will be sent out at least two weeks prior to the annual Board Retreat for approval.
* VERSION NAMES - New versions will be saved as different version numbers v2.1, v2.2 for 2009 changes; v3.0, 3.1 for 2010 and so on.
* ROUTINE UPDATES- On a quarterly basis, the Board will receive updates on active work plans by the appropriate Board representative and/or Committee Chair.
* STORAGE - The master is stored on the LA Chapter’s extranet http://extranet.chapters.usgbc.org/rc/sc/Louisiana/default.aspx.

VII. Conclusion

The USGBC-LA Strategic Plan symbolizes the integration of guidance from USGBC National as well as execution of USGBC-LA. The Plan is not just a document but also a guidance map that when followed will ensure the Chapter effectively serves its community, members, sponsors and volunteers as well as the natural environment. The LA Board recognizes this “map” will need updating in order to accurately represent the changing landscape of green building in our region.