Sustainable Buildings initiative
SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS INITIATIVE</h4
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.
TAKE ACTION:
Training Opportunity! SUSTAINABLE APPROACHES TO BUILDING MATERIAL RECOVERY (doc)
Edwards AFB, Palmdale California, 1 & 2 February 2006
If you are responsible for non-hazardous solid waste diversion at your installation and are wanting to increase your construction and demolition debris diversion, this is a training opportunity for you! Topics include best practices to optimize material recovery and diversion along with the latest technologies, tools and techniques available to achieve best results. No fee to attend. Contact the Air Force for more information.
Energy Policy Act of 2005 – Federal provisions (8/8/05)
Presidential Directive on Energy Conservation (9/26/05)
BACKGROUND:
Energy Policy Act of 2005, Section 109 requires Federal agencies to apply sustainable design principles, identify new buildings in their budget requests, and design buildings to 30% below ASHRAE standards or the International Energy Code if life cycle cost effective.
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
CONTACTS:
Initiative Chair – Cheri Sayer
U.S. Department of Energy – Seattle Regional Office
206-553-7838 / Cheri.Sayer@gsa.gov
Initiative Co-Chair – Steve Miller
OBJECTIVES/GOALS:
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.
ACTIVITIES:
SBI Updates at FNS meetings:
SBI Update (ppt): 06/05
SBI Update (ppt): 12/04
SBI Update (pdf): 05/04
SBI Conference Call Notes (doc):
October 2005; August 2005; June 2005; April 2005; February 2005; December 2004; August 2004; June 2004; April 2004; February 2004; December 2003; November 2003; May 2003
SUCCESS STORIES:
BPA Building Becomes 100th LEED certified project!
National Park Service, Denali Visitor Center, AK
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Baca Dlo’ay azhi Community School, Prewitt, NM
U.S. Navy, Naval Base Ventura County Bldg 850, Port Hueneme, CA
NREL Solar Research Facility, Golden, CO
TOOLS AND RESOURCES:
FEDERAL AGENCY POLICY, PROGRAMS, AND RESOURCES:
Air Force
The Air Force Sustainable Facilities Guide
Center for Environmental Excellence
Introductory-Level Sustainable Development On-Line Course
Sustainable Operations Guide