SBIC is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the design, affordability, energy performance, and environmental soundness of America’s buildings.
SBIC teaches, values, and advocates a balanced, holistic approach to designing new buildings. These days many terms are used to describe improved buildings, such as “green,” “sustainable,” “high performance,” and “environmentally responsive.” We are always mindful that these ideas must be kept in context with other equally important design objectives, such as aesthetics, accessibility, cost effectiveness, flexibility, high productivity, and security. Our members believe that all sustainable buildings must be low-energy, climate-responsive, use minimal fossil fuels and cleaner, renewable energy.
We teach, value, and advocate a balanced, holistic approach to designing new buildings. These days many terms are used to describe improved buildings, such as “green,” “sustainable,” “high performance,” and “environmentally responsive.” We are always mindful that these ideas must be kept in context with other equally important design objectives, such as aesthetics, accessibility, cost effectiveness, flexibility, high productivity, and security. Our members believe that all sustainable buildings must be low-energy, climate-responsive, use minimal fossil fuels and cleaner, renewable energy. Click on one of the following links for more information:
Our History
The Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC) was founded by the major building trade associations in 1980 as the Passive Solar Industries Council. While we continue to be an association of associations committed to high-performance design and construction, we have since changed our name to more accurately reflect the full scope of our efforts in the allied fields of architecture, engineering, building systems and materials, product manufacturing, energy analysis, and “whole building” design.
We are still strong supporters of passive solar strategies and technology-driven building solutions, but from the beginning, our work has touched on all aspects of sustainable design and construction: energy efficiency, renewable technologies, daylighting, healthy indoor environments, sustainable building materials and products, and resource conservation . . . all the components that make integrated, better buildings possible.
After 24 years of operation, we continue to celebrate the unique relationship between each building and its natural environment. This has generated a solid base of loyal and happy members who rely on SBIC to provide them with the answers to their sustainability needs.