General or Contributor membership: Which is right for your company?

Valrie Dyhouse


I have often been asked, “What is the real difference, other than the cost of dues, between a General Member Company and a Contributor Member Company?”  This question can be answered in terms of access to this group or that group, but when considering the essentials, it is really the difference between ‘things’ and ‘ideas.’

General Member companies, along with our Individual members, are the backbone and strong muscle of The Green Grid’s development work.  Their focus is entirely dedicated to the development and production of the tools, white papers, calculators, and other deliverables.  The vast majority of these work products are made available via the public website, free of charge to other members of The Green Grid and for purchase by non-members.  

Contributor Member companies are about the IDEAS that make The Green Grid a force in the industry.  While also able to participate in the development directly, Contributor Member companies take on a much broader governance role. They, with the Board, direct and approve items that are developed and have final approval of deliverables.  They are the crafters of the message and the guardians of the integrity of The Green Grid, and, with the Board, represent the face of The Green Grid.  Our reputation for being the impartial voice of the industry and a trusted source of information on a variety of ITE and DC sustainability topics rests with Contributor and Board level member companies. 

If you have an interest in expanding your scope of influence in the industry generally and in The Green Grid specifically, please request information on joining the association as a Contributor Member company or by upgrading your existing General membership. For questions or more detail, feel free to email me at mdd@thegreengrid.org.