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Emphasizing transparency and data science, broadening the scope of sustainable building and applying the benefits of green building to the underserved are among some of Mahesh Ramanujam’s priorities in his new role as president and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Board of Directors recently announced Ramanujam has fully transitioned into his new role, effective Nov. 4 and will continue to serve as president of USGBC’s sister organization, Green Business Certification Inc. Ramanujam will succeed Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC’s founding chair.

“I think USGBC is at a crucial stage of evolution. It is my goal to elevate leaders in the industry by giving them the tools to follow their passion and make resources available to set them up for success while continuing to modernize and enhance our capabilities,” Ramanujam said in an email to The Progressive Builder. “USGBC was established to make a difference--we have a commitment to make the world a better place and influence others to do better. Green buildings save money, support the mitigation of climate change and provide healthier, more efficient places to live, learn, work and play.”

According to information from the USGBC, Ramanujam joined in 2009 as senior vice president of technology and was named COO two years later. He is a native of Chennai, India, and holds a bachelor’s of engineering degree in computer sciences from Annamalai University.

“In order to enter the next phase of thought leadership, we must prioritize data and transparency,” he said. “The advancement of digital technology and data science will continue to accelerate at a rapid pace and those who fail to adopt these advances will be left behind.”

Ramanujam also said the USGBC will continue to improve its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) sustainability certification under his guidance. “Currently, we are envisioning what beyond LEED Platinum certification looks like and are working to expand the LEED framework to recognize projects that are consistently exceeding sustainability strategies and are innovators in their field,” he said. “We are implementing technology that will raise the bar for data collection and analysis while prioritizing sustainability leadership. This will be the next interface of LEED.”

He also said existing buildings and underserved communities are two areas that present excellent opportunities to “look through the lens of adoption and how we are introducing potential LEED users to the rating system.”

Fedrizzi, now the chairman and CEO of the International WELL Building Institute, said Mahesh has a history of success and strong leadership skills. “Mahesh is a remarkable leader,” Fedrizzi said. “His strong business background, his demonstrated track record and his amazing gift for inspiring the best in those around him make him the perfect CEO for USGBC at this time in its history. His global vision and his strategic approach give all of us great confidence that he will guide the organization to much success in the coming years.”

USGBC is also planning to focus on communities and cities, rather than individual buildings. The recently announced Arc platform will help create “smart cities on a global scale through an integrative approach to sustainable development and city planning,” Ramanujam said, adding it has the potential to drastically change “how we interact with the spaces where we live, learn, work and play and, ultimately, human behavior.”

“We look forward to Mahesh's leadership of USGBC and GBCI,” said Fiona Cousins, USGBC Board Chair. “Mahesh has already contributed a great deal to the organization and brings a strong mixture of vision and pragmatism to the organization that will be crucial as the organization, and the world, continues to change.”

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