The Green Building Task Force (GBTF) was formed by mayor Greg Nickels in 2008 as a means of meeting his pledge for Seattle to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings. The GBTF was to provide guidance on policy proposals and programs focused on meeting these goals through methods such as conservation incentives, creative financing, and regulatory mandates. Two main committees made up the task force, one focused on existing buildings, the other on the construction of new buildings. The committees were comprised of members from different local coalitions, businesses, and government organizations in Seattle.