The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) launched USGBC+, a new magazine for its community of nearly 13,000 member organizations that are committed to USGBC’s mission to create sustainable buildings and communities for all within this generation.

The magazine is available as a complimentary amenity for USGBC members, which range from small businesses to multinational corporations, local governments, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations.

“USGBC’s network of members, large and small, form the backbone of the worldwide movement toward high-performing green structures that serve as a pathway to a healthier planet, healthier people and healthier bottom lines,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC.

In regard to the magazine title, Fedrizzi wrote in the inaugural issue: “That plus sign may appear diminutive, but it packs a huge punch. It signifies the work we do every day at USGBC to bring you the resources and support you need to take your green building efforts to unimagined heights.”

USGBC+ content reflects the best and brightest minds in green building, curated by the creators of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the world’s premier green building program. Each issue will highlight green building stories, strategies and lessons, exploring the inspiration and motivation of the leaders and project teams responsible for transforming our built environment. The magazine’s sections reflect USGBC’s different programs, from advocacy to international, as well as the principles that guide USGBC’s LEED rating system, ranging from addressing climate change to facilitating a green economy.

The inaugural May/June 2014 issue highlights Detroit, the location of this year’s annual USGBC Mid-Year Meeting, a gathering of the organization’s 76 local chapters and volunteer committees. The feature story, “Detroit Green City,” takes a fresh look at the city known for decay and blight, discussing grassroots efforts and community leaders who are shaping a green and bright future. “Reaching New Heights” looks at the journey toward LEED certification for One World Trade Center in New York City, plotting the path toward sustainability for an iconic structure of huge cultural significance, while the third feature, “Lofty Idea,” examines the adaptive reuse of buildings into micro lofts that are proving to be innovative housing models that offer access to urban amenities.

Additional features include an examination of American University’s School of International Service, a discussion of healthy buildings with Henry Chao of USGBC Platinum-level member HOK, as well as a look at how designers are seeking to illuminate the unseen health hazards and environmental footprint of building materials. The issue also includes a look at the first corporate Green Bond from USGBC Platinum-level member Bank of America, Cincinnati’s role as an incubator of green home innovations and coverage of emerging green technologies, among other items.

The first issue of the bimonthly magazine will be mailed to USGBC member organizations beginning in mid-May and will be accessible online at plus.usgbc.org.

Membership in USGBC offers multifaceted benefits, including access to green building education material through the Education @USGBC platform, members-only communications and resources, engagement opportunities with USGBC and other leaders in the green building industry, participation in LEED ballots and elections and eligibility to participate in LEED committees and working groups. Organizational membership starts as low as $300. To learn more, visit usgbc.org/member.