9: Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Design

Promote sustainability and use of energy-efficient design principles.

Other Information:

GSA is a leader in sustainable design and has achieved certification for four government owned buildings and six build-to-suit leased buildings. The certification represents external review and approval of the application of energy management techniques for that building. GSA has also registered 50 buildings under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building rating system. GSA will continue to lead in sustainable design by advocating for siting of Federal facilities with consideration for local transportation and enhancing sustainability in communities. The result will be a facility with an optimal balance of cost, environmental, societal, and human benefits, while meeting the mission and functional needs of the customer agency. GSA intends that sustainable design will be integrated as seamlessly as possible into the existing design and construction process. Interest in “green buildings” and sustainable design will continue in the external environment on a number of fronts. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 mandated the application of sustainable design principles in the siting, design, and construction of Federal facilities. GSA’s FY 2006 Appropriations Bill required us to examine the use of multiple “green building” rating systems. Other mandates (including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)-Section 6002, Executive Order 13123, and Executive Order 13101) promote the use of products with recycled material content, sustainable design principles, and environmentally preferable qualities. In addition, EPA and other stakeholders are focusing on the indoor environment in terms of furnishings and build-outs; they are looking for fewer volatile organic compounds, as well as better natural lighting and light quality, acoustics, and indoor air quality.

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

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