The Natural Builders Competitors

The Green Building Initiative (GBI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the built environment's impact on climate and society. GBI is the global provider of Green Globes ®, a science-based building certification that evaluates the sustainability, health & wellness, and resilience of buildings. GBI is an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards Developer and provider of the Guiding Principles Compliance (GPC) verification program, the first third-party assessment program designed specifically for federal building sustainability requirements.

The Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) is an international network of sustainable communities and initiatives on every inhabitable continent. GEN serves as umbrella organization for ecovillages, intentional communities, transition towns and ecologically-minded, community-driven individuals worldwide. People and communities meet and share their ideas, exchange technologies, develop cultural and educational exchanges, directories and newsletters, and are dedicated to restoring the land and living a cooperative sustainable lifestyle. Network members include large networks like Sarvodaya (2,000 active sustainable villages in Sri Lanka); the Federation of Damanhur in Italy and Nimbin in Australia; small rural ecovillages like Gaia Asociación in Argentina and Huehuecoyotl, Mexico; urban rejuvenation projects like Los Angeles EcoVillage and Christiania in Copenhagen; permaculture design sites such as Crystal Waters, Australia, Cochabamba, Bolivia and Barus, Brazil; and educational centres such as Findhorn in Scotland, Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales, Earthlands in Massachusetts, and many more.

The Biomimicry Institute (biomimicry.org) is on a mission to help solve humanity’s biggest challenges through the adoption of biomimicry (nature-inspired innovation) in education, culture, and industry. For eons, nature has solved its problems with well-adapted designs, life-friendly chemistry, and smart material and energy use. We exist to shine a light on nature’s genius, and bridge pressing design challenges with proven biological strategies for a better future. Our initiatives across education, innovation, inspiration, and systems change have empowered thousands with the tools and training necessary to create a healthier world, and to improve their lives in the process. To amplify our impact, we unite a global network of educators, innovators, changemakers, scientists, and others passionate about solving environmental and social challenges through nature-inspired design. Our work will not be complete until biomimicry is at the core of the human experience and the sustainable health of the planet is secure.