Robin Main has a long career in environmental law. So when the Rhode Island chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council asked her to serve on its board she readily agreed. Main, a partner at the Providence offices of Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP recently took some time to discuss her appointment that occurred in late January.
PBN: How did you become involved with the Rhode Island chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council?
MAIN: Several years ago, I was asked to provide some pro bono legal advice to a group led by Connie McGreavy, which was forming the Rhode Island chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. At the time, Rhode Island was one of the few states without a chapter. I wanted to get involved at the outset of the group so I readily agreed to do what I could.
As an environmental attorney in Rhode Island for more than 20 years, I recognized immediately how important it is to have this type of group in the state to serve as a resource for educating companies and individuals on green design and construction, and training individuals for jobs in the new green economy. I also knew that this type of group would provide good opportunities for networking with others in the green building and energy arenas. Recently, I was asked to join the board and was also just elected secretary of the chapter – frankly, not the most fun job in an organization, but someone has to do it.
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PBN: What attracts you to the organization?
MAIN: I see the mission of the RIGBC as a blueprint to help the state prosper in the future. The primary mission of the RIGBC is to transform the way buildings are designed, built and operated in Rhode Island and to promote, among other things, green design and construction, including in the renovation of existing structures. Importantly, the mission also includes educational opportunities for members and training for jobs in the new green economy.
From a professional standpoint, I must say that being involved in a group like the RIGBC is important to me. I need to keep up with developments in the environmental area, especially regarding the new green economy, and I must continue to develop relationships with other professionals in this area.
RIGBC is also a fun and very well run organization so it’s a pleasure to be associated with it. For example, our annual meeting, which was held last month, was at Fidelity’s impressive North Smithfield campus in a beautiful building built to LEED silver standard and, the year before, the annual meeting was held at FM Global’s new LEED certified building in Johnston.
PBN: I understand that you have expertise in environmental law and serve on Hinckley Allen and Snyder’s Green Law Group. Will that background help you in your board position? If so, how?
MAIN: For more than 20 years, I have worked as an environmental litigator. Much of my work involves advising clients on practical, cost-effective ways to redevelop contaminated property in Rhode Island, which is sometimes referred to as brownfield redevelopment. I love this work because it not only helps to clean up the environment, but it also gets rid of urban blight, creates jobs and promotes our industrial heritage by preserving some of the unique and beautiful mill complexes that dot the state.
This work dovetails perfectly with the mission of the RIGBC to promote green design and construction, including the renovation of existing buildings in urban core and historic neighborhoods. Given my background in brownfield development and knowledge of the regulatory framework in which such development must fit, I can bring my experience, as well as my law firm’s resources, to help the RIGBC and its members.
PBN: What about the other way around? Will your board seat offer you insight for when you tackle legal issues?
MAIN: Without a doubt. I need an organization in Rhode Island like the RIGBC. The chapter offers educational programs on green construction and energy efficiency so I can keep up with the latest developments, and it is also a great way for me to get to know others in Rhode Island working in the green economy. I must say that the “green economy” is not a trend – it is part of our economy now and we must recognize this if we want to see Rhode Island move forward in a prosperous manner and develop in a sustaining, productive way.
People need to realize that the green economy affects each and every one of them and involves some of the largest employers in the state, whether it be a utility, construction company, manufacturer, school or law firm.
PBN: Is there a specific project or mission you would like to see the chapter take on while you serve on the board?
MAIN: I would like to see the chapter gain new members and continue to train individuals for jobs in the new green economy. To state the obvious, Rhode Island needs an educated workforce that has good paying, sustainable jobs. I believe that a focus on a green economy can do this, in part, for the state. The RIGBC is an important aspect of the transformation of our economy, and so it must continue with its educational and outreach mission.
