U.S. buildings consume two-thirds of our electricity and emit significant amounts of air pollutants — sulphur dioxide (49%), nitrous oxide (25%), carbon dioxide (35%) and particulate matter (10%)—a huge burden on our public health and environment. Data like these prompted several Boston designers in 1998 to launch The Green Roundtable, as a forum to promote and help “mainstream” sustainable design and “green” or environment-friendly, building practices. TGR quickly grew to 450 members, and incorporated in 1999, providing volunteers in education, public policy and technical assistance, and sponsoring monthly roundtables and workshops for architects, engineers, and developers—anyone interested in green building. TGR was designated the New England affiliate, one of only six nationwide, of the U.S. Green Building Council, which administers the “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED) certification system. As such, TGR represents over 3,000 designers, developers, manufacturers and other building professionals throughout New England. Mayor Menino has selected TGR for Boston’s Green Development Initiative, intended to establish Boston as a leader in green building. TGR has now created Nexus: Green Building Resource Center, a first-of-its-kind facility in downtown Boston. While TGR receives major funding from corporate sponsors, it needs personal donations to cover its operating and program expenses.