USGBC New York chapter has rebranded into Urban Green Council. With the entirely new look and name, the organization swears it is still the New York chapter of the USGBC, with the same educational events and programs, resources and green building advocacy.

So what’’s with the new name and new look? The following is from USGBC New York the Urban Green Council.

First, we want to convey that being green isn’t all hearts and flowers. It’s about practical people, looking to the future, using resources smartly, and scrutinizing the return on investment. That’s why we undertake important research projects, like a soon-to-be-released Cost Study that documents the financial impact of green choices, and a training program that will prepare tens of thousands of the city’s contractors and trades for the green jobs of the future.

Second, sustainability is all about site-specific, local solutions. We are focused on the New York metropolitan area, the uber-urban environment. But we also are intent on creating models for other cities, and learning from their successes. Projects like the Green Codes Task Force will have a major impact on NYC and establish a standard that other municipalities can draw from.

Finally, Urban Green suggests a place where people meet, the town square or commons. Urban Green Council is where the city’s green building community meets. We offer scores of events: courses to help you prepare for your LEED AP exam, technical round table, monthly salon, tours of green buildings throughout the city, panels, lectures, master classes and more. A new series, Oppositions, explores all sides of controversial issues. In the fall, we’ll launch Urban Green Expo, an annual trade show and educational conference designed to meet the unique needs of the densely developed urban environment at a challenging economic moment. New initiatives will invite all New Yorkers, not just the usual suspects, into the green. Urban Green Council is the place to make connections, share your vision, and build the future.