As CEO and Founding Chair of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and CEO of its sister organization, Green Business Certification, Inc., Rick Fedrizzi’s commitment to USGBC’s most game-changing programs and initiatives has catalyzed a global green building movement and set a market standard for sustainability achievement.
Through his bold, collaborative leadership of USGBC, Rick has led the transformation of architectural and real estate practice, created new markets and sparked innovation, leading to fundamental shifts in resources saved, toxins eliminated, greenhouse gases avoided, and human health enhanced.
USGBC’s LEED, the premier global green building certification program, certifies almost 2 million square feet of building space per day in more than 150 countries and has accredited nearly 200,000 LEED professionals.
In 2008, USGBC established Green Business Certification Inc. as an independent certification and credentialing body. With Rick as its CEO, it has expanded beyond its support of LEED to now offer services globally to WELL, PEER, EDGE and SITES, among others. With its recent acquisition of the Green Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark, where Rick serves as chairman, there is now an asset-to-portfolio sustainability measurement solution for the world’s largest asset class.
Beyond technical leadership, Rick believes in inspiring community involvement. An example is The Center for Green Schools at USGBC, which has been at the forefront of advocating that where our kids learn matters, providing policy and financing tools along with curriculum guidance and community engagement through programs such as the Green Apple Day of Service.
An executive with United Technologies’ Carrier Corporation for 25 years, Rick brings strong business acumen and creative leadership to the global green building movement. He serves on numerous boards and advisory committees, including Harvard’s Center for Health and the Global Environment, Bank of America’s National Community Advisory Council, Clinton Global DELOS, Watsco, and Global Green. In 2015, he authored "Greenthink: How Profit Can Save the Planet" to wide acclaim.