Federal Network for Sustainability

(click on the bars below to see the progress of the initiatives)

SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS INITIATIVE

In September 2002, the Federal Network for Sustainability adopted a fifth initiative Sustainable (Green) Buildings. We recognize the vast amount of information and action that is taking place within the business community related to sustainable design, and the great progress the Federal government is making in designing, constructing, and operating their own buildings in a sustainable matter. There is, however, much more the Federal community can do to further the adoption of sustainability principles within the Federal government as they relate to building design. This initiative will seek to work within our own agencies to improve and build upon sustainable programs, practices, education, and experience and to share information across agencies and other organizations.

BACKGROUND:

Executive Order 13123, Section 403(d), "Greening the Government Through Efficient Energy Management" requires agencies to apply sustainable design principles to the siting, design, and construction of new facilities.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/femp/pdfs/eo13123.pdf
Additional requirements pertain to existing Federal buildings. Read more about various Federal requirements at: http://www.eere.energy.gov/femp/technologies/sustainable_fedrequire.cfm
National Energy Policy - We will monitor any new legislation that may address sustainability in Federal facilities
SBI Team members (to be posted)
SBI Action Plan (pdf)
SBI Conference Call minutes (May 2003; November 2003; December 2003; February 2004; April 2004 ; June 2004 ) (pdf or doc)

Initiative Co-Chair - Cheri Sayer

U.S. Department of Energy - Seattle Regional Office
206-553-7838 / Cheri.Sayer@ee.doe.gov

Initiative Co-Chair - Steve Miller

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Pacific Division
415-977-8242 / Stephen.P.Miller@spd.usace.army.mil

OBJECTIVES:

Develop case studies using DOE's "High Performance Buildings" template.
Introduce, reinforce and further educate, agency staff on the concepts of sustainable buildings, (i.e., management, design, engineering, procurement, etc.), including the process of how to obtain a LEED (or equivalent) rating for their buildings.
Identify what each of the FNS member agencies are doing now at the regional level in relationship to their internal policy and sustainable buildings mandates.
Design, build and continually update the SBI section of the FNS website to provide valuable information, links to resources, showcase success stories, and provide other relevant information.
Provide education to management, design, engineering, procurement, etc. to show how energy efficiency and security can enhance our common objectives and to ensure that the new attention to security in buildings does not eclipse (and drain away all the resources for) the importance of sustainability and energy efficiency in buildings.
Identify how to work with architectural/engineering (A/E) and design/build firms (including hiring and encouraging them). Provide model language ( i.e., specifications, solicitations, and selection criteria, etc.).
Coordinate with the national Interagency Sustainability Working Group. Work on activities appropriate to the Regional level and respond to requests. Provide value to the HQ based group.