It’s official: The revolution is in full swing. Every day since I’ve returned from Boston, as I attempt to catch up on sleep and the fresh thrill of Greenbuild 2008 gradually gives way to reflection and an eye toward next year, the magnitude of what we have just achieved sinks in a little more. “Revolutionary Green” truly was an apt theme for our Boston adventure.

When we started Greenbuild in Austin, Tex., in 2002, there were barely more than 4,000 of us there. The seeds of change were being planted, but it was clearly a movement in its formative years. This year, our soaring numbers just tell part of the story—but it’s a big part:

• 28,224 registered attendees from all 50 states, 85 countries and six continents—a 25% increase over Greenbuild ’07

• 807 exhibitors (68% more than last year) in about 145,000 square feet of exhibit space (62% more than 2007)

That really says something about our movement. That you care enough to be part of this essential transformation of the built environment—even though times are tough and organizations in all industries are cutting back—is a testament to your foresight and a harbinger of big changes to come.

But now comes the next step—and the next step is always the hardest. As we bask in the thoughts still so fresh in our minds from Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s stirring words of inspiration and hope, we cannot be content to have been so moved. We must now convert that resolve into measurable, meaningful change. As we revel being part of a movement that can draw 28,000-plus people together in tough economic times, we cannot sit complacently by, satisfied by past achievements. We must make this a movement that embraces and is embraced by absolutely everyone. We must bring green to everyone, and everyone to green.

Next year, Greenbuild heads to Phoenix, to the American Southwest, a region with unique environmental and social challenges and opportunities. Greenbuild 2009, with its theme of “Main Street Green: Connect to the Conversation,” makes clear the imperative: Green building can and must come home to all people, boosting the quality of life on main streets across the country and around the world. That is our task now. I can’t wait to see you in Phoenix next year and to hear your stories of how you’ve been doing just that.

Kimberly Lewis
vice president
conferences/events
U.S. Green Building Council