Welcome to the South Florida Chapter of the USGBC—a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to educating and promoting the benefits of sustainable, energy efficient buildings. Join us in transforming the way our buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, providing an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life of our citizens and visitors.


Emerging Professionals and Students



Natural Talent Design Competition for 2012

This year's Natural Talent Design Competition (NTDC), annually hosted by the Emerging Professionals of the Chapter, focused on providing input into the launch of the LEEDv4 Rating System via focus on Miami-Dade’s "Green Destination" initiative and particularly the renovation of the County's existing stock of hotels and resorts. The focus of applicants' attention was Cambean Hospitality's beautiful and historic Carlton Hotel South Beach. To see who won the top prizes, click here.



Meet Our Emerging Professionals Team

Palm Beach Branch
Lizz Foster learned to live a more natural, sustainable life while growing up in Northern Michigan, where she and her family lived and worked on a dairy and beef farm.  In addition to growing most everything consumed for their meals, the family composted and practiced many other natural ways of life.  Lizz moved down to South Florida after graduating from the Kendall College of Art & Design.  She is current a Junior Interior Designer at Glidden Spina & Partners in West Palm Beach, where she had a hand in ... click here for more about Lizz.

Christine Mandilakis grew up in Ohio and recently moved to Florida.  She graduated from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture and minors of study in Historic Preservation and Art History.  As an architect, her interest in Historic Preservation, in tandem with her professional career path, has led Christine to take a greener approach in architecture as well as in her everyday life.   "As a team member ... click here for more about Christine.

Broward Branch
Stefan Bird was exposed to the LEED rating system while involved as an intern for Holder Construction, where his project, the University of Georgia’s Tate Center, would go on to be the first Gold Certified building on that campus.  In May 2010, Stefan graduated from the University of Florida's Rinker School of Building Construction with a minor in Sustainability Studies.  While at UF, ... click here for more about Stefan.

Miami-Dade Branch
Naomi Ross lives by her life motto: "Striving to lead a sustainable and philanthropic lifestyle."  Naomi is a South Florida native who moved to Miami for college. She developed a passion for service during her last year at the University of Miami, and is currently serving as a Public Ally in her second AmeriCorps term.  During Naomi's spare time, she remains civically engaged as a member of and/or volunteer with a variety of ... click here for more about Naomi.

David "Chi Chi" Truong (see image at right) is the Owner and President of DCT Designs, a freelance engineering and media arts design company.  Prior to that, he was a junior engineer for a leading MEP design firm in the healthcare industry before finding himself in Miami as a district manager for a start-up GC firm. Chi Chi is very active in USGBC South Florida Chapter, volunteering for ... click here for more about Chi Chi.
Student Groups On Campus

The USGBC is working in partnership with students, faculty and administrators to strengthen campus sustainability efforts.  There are student groups in South Florida at the universities and colleges noted below.  Click on the links to take you to the campus contact.  

To learn more about the Center For Green Schools Higher Education, click here.  To discuss setting up a USGBC Student Group on your campus, email David Truong. 

  • Everglades University
  • Florida Atlantic University / Broward College (Ft. Lauderdale)
  • Florida International University
  • Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico
  • University of Miami

Join Us!
 
The South Florida Chapter's Emerging Professionals Committee is a coalition of student and young professionals dedicated to becoming and recruiting the future leaders of the green building movement.  Like other EP Committees around the country, the Chapter’s EP program offers young people the opportunity to get involved in green building here in our South Florida region, gain access to USGBC resources, participate in local events, and network with others making a real difference here in our South Florida community.  To learn more about the Chapter's EP program, contact its Chair, David "Chi Chi" Truong.
 
 
Resume Boost!
 
How would you like to ratchet up the quality of your resume for only $30?  How?  On your resume under Extracurricular Activities or Organizations, list US Green Building Council South Florida Chapter for a credibility boost by joining the Chapter at a rate greatly reduced for students and young professionals. 
 
In addition to the resume boost, you will also be able to take advantage of the many Chapter benefits, including appearance in our popular online, searchable membership directory.  To join, click here ... and proudly add USGBC South Florida Chapter to your resume. 
 


Upcoming EP and Student Activities

Upcoming EP & Student Activities

The list is being updated.  Please check back.


Chapter's Own Named To National EP Post

The USGBC South Florida Chapter's David Truong has been named a National Chair to assist USGBC in its charge to advance campus sustainability and green-building goals through student engagement.  Primary responsibilities of this volunteer position include the recruitment, training and facilitation of the activities of USGBC Students, Regional Chairs and new student groups.  USGBC Students recruit, connect and equip the next generation of green-building leaders by empowering them to transform their campuses, communities and careers.  To learn more, contact David. 


 


 
 
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