Membership Frequently Asked Questions
How is USGBC MA Membership Forum membership different than Green Roundtable membership?
The Green Roundtable (GRT) membership program is now run by the USGBC Massachusetts Membership Forum (The Forum). The same member benefits offered under GRT membership will remain in place, however, membership will be limited solely to individuals. Companies and organizations are encouraged to join USGBC National (see below) and/or support activities locally by sponsoring an event or program. All membership revenue will go to support The activities of the Forum.
Is a USGBC Affiliate different from a USGBC Chapter?
Chapters and Affiliates serve the green building community in similar ways but there are some differences, mainly in terms of their history and level of organizational development. Affiliate’s are well established non-profit organizations that have a synergistic mission with USGBC , which is to advance green building principles and practices in its regional marketplace. Affiliates usually have larger budgets, staffing and a wider scope of programs than Chapters.
The Green Roundtable has been the Massachusetts Affiliate for eight years. The USGBC MA Membership Forum is the group of leaders and members working to carryout Affiliate activities across the State as part of GRT.
I was on the USGBC website looking for the local USGBC representation in Massachusetts and I can’t find the Massachusetts Chapter. What am I doing wrong?
Since Massachusetts is represented by an Affiliate and not a Chapter, when you are on USGBC’s website searching for your local represenatation, you need to search to “Find an Affiliate” not a Chapter. Look for The Green Roundtable in the list that populates and proceed to the Green Roundtable website to sign up for membership.
What is the difference between signing up with National USGBC versus USGBC MA Membership Forum (The Massachusetts Affiliate)?
Organizations/Companies are members of National USGBC
Individuals are members of Chapters & Affiliates
Over 18,000 companies/organizations have joined USGBC and are working to move the marketplace, create change across the globe and drive the green building agenda in all areas of the built environment. Connection to USGBC will provide you with professionals, resources, trainings, and opportunities unique to USGBC members to leverage the work you are doing.
Sign up your company/organization with USGBC today to take advantage of exclusive benefits and resources and become a part of this exciting transformation of the built environment.
Sign up to have individual access to USGBC website and receive National USGBC news. *Note that if you sign up for user access to the USGBC site it does not automatically sign you up for membership with the local Affiliate or Chapter. Read below for details on how to become a member in Massachusetts.
How do I sign up for an annual membership with the Forum?
Signing up to become connected to the local USGBC community is easy. All you need to do is complete and send in the Member Registration Form. If you’re signing up multiple individuals from your firm to take advantage of the Corporate Volume Discount you will also need to complete the Corporate Volume Registration Form.
Explore the website membership pages, call Phoebe Beierle at 617-374-3740 x113 or email forummembership@greenroundtable.org to learn more.
How do I find out if my company is a USGBC member company?
If you are signing up for Forum membership and want to check to see if your company is a National USGBC member company (to qualify for the discounted $50 annual member rate) you can search in the online USGBC member directory. If your company is a member, email the Primary Contact at your work to get your Corporate Access ID.
What benefits do I receive as a result of being a member?
In short, the benefits will include discounts to Green Roundtable trainings (excluding USGBC sponsored trainings), discounts to Green Roundtable and Forum paid events, discounts on Building Green publications, discount on an individual Zipcar membership, voting rights and connection to unique USGBC opportunities on a local level.
What is the term of membership? What if I join late in the year?
Forum membership is structured on an annual basis and so annual dues will apply from Jan 1 through Dec 31. If you join in the third quarter of the year, a discount may be applied.
How do I get involved as an active participant in Forum activities?
You can learn more about each of the active volunteer committees by exploring the Forum webpage. The public committees are: Education, Communications/Programs/Membership, Advocacy, Deeper Green, Regional View and Emerging Green Builders.
In addition, to keep updated on events and news, make sure to check the NEXUS events calendar which also lists Form events and committee meetings.
What if I am not able to join as a member but want to receive news and stay connected?
If you’re not able to join as a member this year, you can still stay informed and connected by signing up for the mailing list.