Based in Washington, D.C., the AIA has been the leading professional membership association for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners since 1857. With nearly 300 state and local chapters, the goal of the AIA is to serve as the voice of the architecture profession and the resource for our members in service to society. www.aia.org
Based in Washington, D.C., NCARB protects the public health, safety, and welfare by leading the regulation of the practice of architecture through the development and application of standards for licensure and credentialing of architects. NCARB's primary function is to design tools and model procedures for jurisdictions to apply to their regulation of the path to licensure, ranging from internship guidelines to licensing examination to certification for reciprocal licensing. NCARB maintains records for its 54 jurisdictional boards, providing services to architects and interns as key stakeholders. www.ncarb.org
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. www.usgbc.org
Richard Best is a supporter of the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of micro-algea spirulina against malnutrition. IIMSAM is a United Nations sanctioned Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) whose mission is to irradicate malnutrition around the world through the use of spirulina. IIMSAM is accredited as a Permanent Observer with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), in keeping with resolution E/2003/212, dated 5th March 2003. www.iimsam.org
Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Organization is a treaty sanctioned entity whose mission is to foster the use of renewable energy around the world, in support in the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals. In 2009, Richard Best was asked by IREO to establish and chair a new commission within IREO called the IREO Sustainable Development Commission (SDC), specifically charged with the duty to uphold Millennium Development Goal #7 (Ensure Environmental Sustainability), and foster sustainable design of buildings and communities around the world. IREO has applied for Permanent Observer status in the United Nations General Assembly. Following Haiti's tragic 2010 earthquake, IREO SDC responded with a bold and revolutionary reconstruction plan for based on sustainability. Please refer to the "Port-AU-Prince A Sustainable Future", below. www.ireoigo.org