Lee named executive director of Mass. chapter of USGBC

The Massachusetts Chapter of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has appointed Grey Lee as its new executive director. USGBC Mass. has chosen to grow the impact of the organization by hiring its new executive director in order to better serve the thriving community of green building professionals across the state. Lee's primary responsibilities will be to cultivate a stronger and larger network of USGBC constituents, to advocate for green buildings and sustainability-oriented legislation and regulations, and to improve the organization's capacity through fundraising, volunteer management, and bringing on staff. He will work with the board of directors to implement the chapter's strategic plan and achieve its forward thinking vision for green buildings for all within this generation. USGBC is a leading national non-profit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. The Mass. Chapter of USGBC strives to promote sustainable and environmentally responsible planning, design, construction and operation of all of Massachusetts' buildings, landscapes, cities and communities. The chapter is organized in numerous committees, including groups focused on topics like green schools, membership and residential green building. The organization has diverse representation across the state through a branch in western Mass., and committees in Worcester (central Mass.), the metro Boston area and the Cape & Islands. "Grey wants to save the planet by making all buildings green. He has serious sustainability chops and has a contagious mirth and vigor which will resonate with many people," said board member Jim Newman. Lee most recently served as the sustainability manager at Castle Sq. Apartments, which underwent a $100 million deep energy retrofit, estimated to reduce heating loads by 70%. "He is savvy with communications strategy and social media; excels in strategic planning; and has real on-the-ground experience in fundraising and non-profit management, which is just what the USGBC Mass. needs at this time," said board chair, Phoebe Beierle. "It's a testament to the growth of the USGBC and the strength of the Massachusetts chapter hat we are able to fund this position, and to find someone with Grey's talents and expertise." Lee said, "I have been working in the green real estate field for over ten years - as a broker, consultant, trainer and project manager. It is amazing how far the industry has come in this past decade. I'm excited to help facilitate the transition to a sustainable and equitable society into the next decade, leveraging the resources of the powerful community of green building pros in Massachusetts. Every green building that we put together, every sustainability-oriented policy we enact, every environmental advocate we enable, means our future will be more prosperous, more healthful, and more vibrant for all." Lee has also served as the executive director of a community educational farm near Boston and as a real estate broker, focused on green projects and sustainability-oriented clients. He holds master's degree in real estate finance and economics from the London School of Economics and a bachelor's (cum laude) in environmental studies from the College of Agriculture at the University of Vermont. He has a certificate in Sustainable Design from the Boston Architectural College, is an Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) Fellow, and is a LEED Accredited Professional. He is the co-founder of the Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group (AIDG), incubating small businesses in the global south to provide renewable energy, sanitation and drinking water to small communities sustainably. The USGBC Massachusetts Chapter was formed in November 2009 to advance and promote the design, construction, and operation of sustainable buildings and communities in Massachusetts through education, mutual support, and advocacy, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life. The Chapter is based in Boston but is active across the entire state. The USGBC Mass.'s first branch was established last year in the Pioneer Valley region.