Christine Ervin

Christine Ervin: Profile

As first President and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council, Ervin led its growth from 200 members and three staff in 1999 to become a highly influential coalition of nearly 5,000 companies and organizations, 50 staff and 70 local chapters. During her five-year tenure, the Council’s LEED® green building rating system became the defacto national standard for certified green buildings and professional accreditation. In all, LEED products were initiated for new commercial markets, existing buildings, retail, real estate core and shell, homes, neighborhood development, schools, healthcare, laboratories and homes. She played the lead role in launching the Greenbuild™ International Conference and Expo in 2002 which quickly grew into the industry “go to” event of the year drawing more than 30,000 attendees in 2009. Christine also launched several initiatives to bring greater transparency, inclusion and international standards to Council practices.

In 1993, Christine was appointed by President Clinton to serve as Assistant Secretary of Energy for the nation’s $1 billion portfolio of clean energy technologies for transportation, buildings, major industries and power systems. Initiatives during her tenure included: EPA-DOE ENERGY STAR™ partnership; national center on sustainable communities; a streamlined appliance standards program; high performance buildings; and voluntary market-based programs ranging from Million Solar Roofs and insurance partnerships to large-scale private sector financing for federal energy retrofits. Her office played a key role in the President’s Climate Change Action Partnership.

In 1991, Christine was appointed by Governor Barbara Roberts to direct the Oregon Department of Energy and to lead a state task force on livable communities. Her portfolio included state programs to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, oversight of the Trojan nuclear power plant, Hanford Waste Reservation policy and siting of new energy facilities.

Christine’s interest in market-based programs took root at the World Wildlife Fund/ Conservation Foundation in 1989-91 where she focused on eco-labeling, life cycle assessments and consensus recommendations for pollution prevention. Previously, she directed budget policy for the State of Missouri, advising Governors and the legislature on statewide program and policy issues.

From her Portland-based firm, Christine continues to advocate for strategies that will accelerate clean technologies and a sustainable economy. She serves on numerous public and private advisory boards including the American Council for Renewable Energy (ACORE), Green Building Services and Green Electronics Council to several venture capital and start-up firms. She also serves as Editor-at-Large for GreenerWorld Media based in Oakland.