WASHINGTON, DC—This year the USGBC announced its list of LEED Fellows; 48 were selected after the usual rigorous screening process.

LEED Fellows, simply put, is not an easy group to join: they have to have at least a minimum of ten years of experience in the green building industry and hold a LEED AP with specialty credential, among other requirements.

Included in this year's group of Fellows was Sally Wilson, an executive managing director with Newmark Grubb Knight Frank. She is the first commercial real estate broker to be honored with this distinction.

Wilson began immersing herself in sustainability 11 years ago, recognizing its growing importance to the community. She was, to pick out one of her achievements, selected by USGBC to represent it in its headquarters relocation along with her partner Pat Marr.

They negotiated lease points ensuring the base building supported Platinum-level LEED for Commercial Interiors certification. This project was the first to be certified under LEED-CI V3, achieving 94 points. GlobeSt.com spoke with Wilson about being a Fellow and the direction of sustainability.

GlobeSt.com: So congratulations. How does it feel?

Wilson: Personally it is an incredible honor to be included in this dedicated group. There are maybe 200,000 LEED APs and about 200 Fellows.

GlobeSt.com: Has this been a long-held career goal?

Wilson: Actually we helped review some of the applicants in the first LEED Fellow class and at the time I remember thinking as I read through the applications that there was no way I could ever do anything like this. But by the time I became eligible I realized I had done enough to be considered. It was more of an 'ah ha' moment than a long-range plan.

GlobeSt.com: What's next for you now that you have been named a Fellow?

Wilson: Well, LEED is just one rating system and there are others in play as well. I still view myself as a student. This is a field that is constantly changing and evolving.

GlobeSt.com: Can you give me an example? What change is underway now that might come as a surprise to some who are not watching this space?

Wilson: I think some people might be surprised at how much of a focus there is internationally on LEED, especially as the initial push for LEED came from a GSA requirement. In terms of new buildings I believe there are more LEED projects outside of the US than domestically. Also, I think the recent announcement between the US and China acknowledging the climate issue will be something to watch. It will have a huge impact on real estate.