Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 22, 2026

Rick Fedrizzi

Rick Fedrizzi is the founding chair and former CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). During his tenure at USGBC, he oversaw the creation of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.

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Rick Fedrizzi
Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center
Education
Occupations
  • Environmentalist
  • businessman
  • author
Notable workGreenthink: How Profit Can Save the Planet
SpouseCathy Fedrizzi
Parent(s)Arigo Fedrizzi, Dorothy Fedrizzi

Rick Fedrizzi is the founding chair and former CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). During his tenure at USGBC, he oversaw the creation of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.1

Early life and education

Fedrizzi grew up in Solvay, New York, a suburb of Syracuse, with his parents, Arigo and Dorothy Fedrizzi.2 His first job was at 14 delivering papers. He continued working through his teenage years scooping ice cream and working in a meat department, and then as an undergrad at UPS and running a liquor store.3 Fedrizzi graduated from LeMoyne College in 1976 with a degree in accounting.4 He also holds an MBA from Syracuse University.5

Career

Fedrizzi started out at Carrier Corp., a provider of HVAC, refrigeration, fire and security equipment, in 1976 and worked there for 25 years. During his last few years at Carrier, he became the Director of Communications and Environmental Affairs.67 From 1992 to 1995, Carrier saw revenues grow $700 million.8 He left Carrier in 2001.7

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

During his time at Carrier, he co-founded the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) along with David Gottfried and Mike Italiano in April 1993. At the American Institute of Architects (AIA), they assembled 60 firms and several non-profits to discuss the need to commit to sustainable building practices,9 which led to the creation of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in 2000.10 Fedrizzi served as the volunteer founding chair until 2004 when he became its CEO.11

In November 2016, Fedrizzi stepped down as USGBC's CEO.12

International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)

From USGBC, Fedrizzi immediately moved on to become chairman and CEO of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). The IWBI seeks to lead the global movement to transform buildings, communities and organizations with a people and well-being first approach. With the WELL Building Standard (WELL), IWBI creates a roadmap for creating and certifying spaces that advance human health and well-being. Fedrizzi has said, "Health and sustainability are synonymous." It is not just about saving the planet, but saving the people.13

Since Fedrizzi joined IWBI in 2016, their WELL Building Standard has grown to become the de facto global real estate leadership standard focused exclusively on the health and well-being of the people who live, work, play and learn in buildings and communities worldwide.14

Other work

When Leonardo DiCaprio released his documentary, The 11th Hour, in 2007 about the grave state of the global warming crisis, Fedrizzi was chosen to be interviewed as an expert, along with other leading politicians, scientists and environmental activists.15

In 2015, Fedrizzi published the book, Greenthink: How Profit Can Save the Planet. In the book, he envisions how environmentalists and industry don't have to compete, but can unite to create a sustainable future and fight climate change. He points out how sustainability can create economic growth by eliminating waste and doing things more efficiently which ultimately save money. In his opinion, sustainability also drives innovation, which leads to new, more profitable product.15 In the foreword by Leonardo DiCaprio, DiCaprio states, "green building is arguably the world's largest and most successful environmental movement, and it's no exaggeration to say that Rick's work has been revolutionary. The strategy he has championed has the potential to change the world."16

Fedrizzi also serves on several boards and advisory councils, including the Center for Health and the Global Environment at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Bank of America’s National Community Advisory Council, Clinton Global Initiative’s Scaling Sustainable Buildings Action Network, Delos’ Advisory Board, Watsco, Energy Focus, VIEW, and Global Green.17

Personal life

Fedrizzi is married to Cathy, who is an educator.18

Awards

References

References

  1. filipeboni (December 31, 2022). "8 Benefits of Becoming a LEED GA". UGREEN. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  2. Linhorst, Stan (April 15, 2016). "A leader should not be afraid to make things simple". syracuse. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  3. Rote, Laura (May 1, 2017). "Rick Fedrizzi Looks at How He Became a Green Building Guru - gb&d". gb&d magazine. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  4. Moriarty, Rick (June 29, 2015). "Rick Fedrizzi to step down as CEO of Green Building Council". syracuse. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  5. Linhorst, Stan (April 15, 2016). "A leader should not be afraid to make things simple". syracuse. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  6. "Our Interview U.S Green Building Council's Rick Fedrizzi". Innovation & Tech Today. June 23, 2016. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  7. "Rick Fedrizzi Leaves Carrier". BuildingGreen. September 1, 2001. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  8. Devon, Kayla (October 5, 2016). "Rick Fedrizzi, environmental pioneer, wins the 2016 Hanley Award". Builder Magazine.
  9. "Mission and vision". U.S. Green Building Council. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  10. "LEED rating system". U.S. Green Building Council. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  11. Busta, Hallie (July 6, 2016). "USGBC CEO Rick Fedrizzi to Head the International Well Building Institute". Architect Magazine.
  12. "Rick Fedrizzi to step down as USGBC's Chief Executive next year". Building Design + Construction. June 29, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  13. "Can businesses make a profit while saving the planet?". Harvard School of Public Health. September 29, 2016. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  14. "Rick Fedrizzi Extends Leadership Role as Executive Chairman of International WELL Building Institute for Additional Term". AP News. July 27, 2020. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  15. Ebeling, Ashlea. "GreenThink: A Call To Action For Millennials". Forbes. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  16. Fedrizzi, Rick (2015). Green Think: How Profit Can Save the Planet. Disruption Books. pp. xiii. ISBN 978-1-63331-005-6.
  17. "Rick Fedrizzi, former CEO of USGBC, named Chair/CEO of International WELL Building Institute". Building Design + Construction. July 6, 2016. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  18. "Board of Directors". Global Green. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  19. Miller, Stephani (April 1, 2009). "National Building Society Honors Visionaries in Sustainability". Architect Magazine.
  20. "USGBC President Rick Fedrizzi to Be Recognized for Energy Efficiency Leadership at Alliance's Annual Awards Dinner". Alliance to Save Energy. June 10, 2010. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  21. "2011 Olmsted Medal Recipient | asla.org". www.asla.org. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  22. "Arents Awards honor four distinguished alumni Nov. 12 as part of Orange Central". SU News. October 25, 2011. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  23. Moriarty, Rick (November 22, 2014). "U.S. Green Building Council, founded by Syracuse's Rick Fedrizzi, receives UN's top environmental award". syracuse.com. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  24. Wood, Hanley (July 21, 2016). "2016 Hanley Award and $50,000 Prize Go to Rick Fedrizzi". Architect Magazine.
  25. "International WELL Building Institute". resources.wellcertified.com. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  26. "Verdical Group's 7th Annual Net Zero Conference: Building a Net Zero Future". Metropolis. Retrieved January 22, 2024.