Al Gore delivered the keynote address to green building professionals at the Greenbuild conference. He praised the leadership of the USGBC for bringing real change to the marketplace. He also urged the crowd to take responsibility for expanding green building globally and to call out greenwashing.

SunChips and National Geographic have joined forces to create the Green Effect, an initiative to inspire individuals to spark a green movement in their communities. SunChips® brand and National Geographic believe in the power of the Green Effect. If each of us takes one small step to make our community greener, we can create big change for our planet. To get the movement started, they will be awarding $20,000 grants to five people or groups—such as a Scout troop, green club, parents organization, or church group—with compelling ideas for green change.