Source: https://www.fedcenter.gov/programs/greenbuildings/index.cfm?printable=1
Timestamp: 2019-06-24 12:41:34
Document Index: 174596467

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 17061', 'art 433', 'art 435', 'art 433', '§ 17091', '§ 3306', '§ 8253']

FedCenter - High Performance Buildings
Included in the High Performance Buildings Program Area are links to, and highlights from, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System,TM case studies of green construction efforts, software and databases to aid in determining which construction products and processes are the most effective, and assorted high performance construction guidelines and standards.
Executive Order (EO) 13834, Efficient Federal Operations, was signed by President Trump on 17 May 2018. Section 8 of this EO revokes EO 13693.
In relation to energy and environmental performance, EO 13834 states that it is the policy of the United States that agencies shall meet such statutory requirements in a manner that increases efficiency, optimizes performance, eliminates unnecessary use of resources, and protects the environment.
Section 2, of EO 13834 directs federal facilities to continue the following efforts
Achieving and maintaining annual reductions in building energy use and implementing energy efficiency measures that reduce costs;
Meeting statutory requirements relating to the consumption of renewable energy and electricity;
Utilizing performance contracting to achieve energy, water, building modernization, and infrastructure goals;
Ensuring that new construction and major renovations conform to applicable building energy efficiency requirements and sustainable design principles; consider building efficiency when renewing or entering into leases; implement space utilization and optimization practices; and annually assess and report on building conformance to sustainability metrics;
Tracking and reporting on energy management activities, performance improvements, cost reductions, greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water savings, and other appropriate performance measures.
The Implementing Instructions for EO 13834, issued April 2019, provides instructions to Federal agencies regarding the implementation of EO 13834 including agency planning, reporting requirements, and accountability. Note that in these implementing instructions, the terms "must" and "shall" convey statutory or regulatory requirements; "instruct" conveys directions to implement EO 13834; "should" or "may" convey recommended best practices for efficient and effective implementation (Section 1, para B.)
In relation to High Performance Buildings, Section III.A5 of the implementing instructions define the applicable Progress Metrics as follow.
Percentage of buildings qualifying as sustainable buildings; and
Percentage of GSF qualifying as sustainable.
For owned buildings > 10,000 gross square foot (GSF).
At least 15 percent of buildings or GSF qualifying as sustainable; and
Annual progress (either buildings or GSF).
Agencies will identify targeted percentage for the next fiscal year in annual Sustainability Plans
Implementing instruction guidance specific to energy efficiency in Federal buildings is found in the Program Area: Energy
For E.O. 13834 implementation, a sustainable Federal building has the same meaning as a high-performance green building (42 U.S.C. § 17061(13)), which, when compared to similar buildings, reduces energy, water, and material use; improves occupant health and productivity; minimizes air and water pollution and waste generation; acquires sustainable products and services; increases reuse and recycling activities; and is located near multiple transportation modes.
Agencies may qualify sustainable buildings, including existing buildings, new construction, and major renovations, using one of the following:
1.	The Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings and Associated Instructions, updated in 2016; or
2.	Third-party building certifications systems or standards identified by GSA's Office of High Performance Buildings
Agencies that choose to use a third-party building certification system to certify a new building or an existing building undergoing major renovation must choose a system that meets criteria identified by DOE at 10 CFR part 433, subpart C and 10 CFR part 435, subpart C. For new construction and major renovations, agencies are required to meet energy efficiency and sustainable design standards established by DOE at 10 CFR part 433.
Beginning in FY 2019, the calculation for percentage of sustainable buildings will be based on owned buildings of 10,000 GSF or greater. Any building qualified prior to FY 2019, regardless of size, will be "grandfathered" and included in annual calculations (added to both the numerator and denominator), provided that the building continues to meet any requirements for requalification. Newly qualified buildings smaller than 10,000 GSF are eligible for bonus credit toward the annual GSF progress calculation only. GSF will be added to both the numerator and denominator.
Agencies are required to lease space in ENERGY STAR qualified buildings unless excepted in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 17091 as follows:
No space is available in an ENERGY STAR qualified building that meets the functional requirements of an agency, including locational needs (NOTE: Cost competitiveness is a functional requirement);
The agency proposes to remain in a building that the agency has occupied previously;
The agency proposes to lease a building of historical, architectural, or cultural significance (as defined in 40 U.S.C. § 3306(a)(4)) or space in such a building; or
The lease is for not more than 10,000 GSF of space.
Agencies should also consider options to lease space in buildings that qualify as sustainable where cost effective and in accordance with the aforementioned parameters. Agencies may choose to track and report sustainability of leased space; however, these buildings will be tracked separately and will not count toward progress on sustainable building goals.
In general, Agencies should optimize space usage to avoid unnecessary real property expenditures. Activities should be consistent with the National Strategy for the Efficient Use of Real Property, which aims to improve the utilization of Federal Government-owned buildings and improve the cost effectiveness and efficiency of the government-wide portfolio.
Agencies are to report annually on sustainable Federal building status in GSA's real property database and the Federal Real Property Profile Management System (FRPP MS). Detailed instructions are issued annually by GSA in the FRPP MS Data Dictionary.
Data points tracked as indicators currently include:
Number of sustainable buildings.
Percentage of leased space, as identified in FRPP MS, in sustainable buildings (if reported by the agency).
Links to statutory requirements, reporting mechanisms, and additional CEQ guidance is provided below. Please use the links to quickly jump to the information area needed or scroll down to view all items.
Guiding Principles / LEED
Agency-specific Policy
Construction Guidelines and Criteria
Instructions for Implementing Efficient Federal Operations E.O. 13834, 30 April 2019
These instructions issued by the Chairman of the CEQ to Federal agencies for meeting energy and environmental performance requirements in a manner that increases efficiency, optimizes performance, eliminates unnecessary use of resources, and protects the environment, as required under E.O. 13834.
Resources for Implementing EO 13834, Efficient Federal Operations
This CEQ website links to relevant U.S. codes, public laws, guidance, and resources to assist agencies in implementing E.O. 13834.
2016 Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings and Associated Instructions (PDF 145.80 KB)
Dated February 2016, this document updates and replaces the December 2008 Guiding Principles to: 1) Reflect the evolution of sustainable building design, construction, and operating practices since 2008, 2) Incorporate other building-related E.O. 13693 requirements, 3) Increase the economic and environmental benefits of Federal investments in facilities, 4) Enhance occupant health, wellness, and productivity, 5) Include climate resilience in building design, construction, and operations, and protect Federal facilities investments from the potential impacts of climate change, and 6) Provide information on tracking agency green building performance.
Determining Compliance with the Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings (PDF 87.29 KB)
Description: This document is a companion to the revised "2016 Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings" and metrics for agencies to use to evaluate compliance with the Guiding Principles.
Carpet Stewardship Memorandum of Understanding (PDF 493.77 KB)
A voluntary product stewardship agreement achieved through multistakeholder dialogue. It has been signed by 7 states, the USEPA, and more than 95% of the industry. The focus of the MOU is a series of goals for reuse, recycling, and waste diversion of carpeting by 2012.
Department of the Army Memorandum: Sustainable Design and Development Policy Update (Environmental and Energy Performance)
This DA policy memorandum, dated 27 October 2010, changes the way the Army will approach efficient design of Army facilities. The update sets the requirements throughout the planning, programming, budgeting, design and building stages and will strengthen the Army's sustainability, energy security, and energy independence through more responsible consumption and planning. Incorporation of sustainable design and development principles, following guidance as detailed in American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 189.1.
Department of the Army Memorandum: Utilization of Efficient Lighting
This Army memo establishes policy and guidance to use only efficient light bulbs that meet standards outlined in the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007.
This September 2015 DOE publication states that a Zero Energy Building is "an energy-efficient building where, on a source energy basis, the actual annual delivered energy is less than or equal to the on-site renewable exported energy." This definition also applies to campuses, portfolios, and communities. In addition to providing clarity across the industry, this new DOE publication provides important guidelines for measurement and implementation, specifically explaining how to utilize this definition for building projects.
Federal Building Energy Use Benchmarking Guidance
This updated document reflects the requirements of the 5 December 2013 Presidential Memo on "Federal Leadership on Energy Management." The updated guidance clarifies the criteria for "metered buildings" subject to the requirements of Section 432 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) (42 U.S.C. § 8253(f)(8)) and designates the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Portfolio Manager as the sole benchmarking tool for Federal agencies to use in fulfilling the benchmarking requirements. The criteria and process for requesting non-disclosure of building performance for national security reasons are also described in the guidance.
This November 2014 guidance defines which Federal buildings are appropriate to meter, provides metering prioritization recommendations for agencies with limited resources, and discusses the requirement for agencies to submit metering implementation plans the U.S. Department of Energy.
Federal Building Metering Implementation Plan Template
Green Building Advisory Committee Advice Letters and Resolutions
The Green Building Advisory Committee provides expert advice to GSA's Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings to advance the greening of the Federal building portfolio. This website includes the resolutions and advice letters approved by the Committee and presented to GSA. As the products of an independent advisory committee, these proposals may or may not be consistent with current GSA policy.
Green Building Certification System: Supplemental Review of USGBC's LEED v4
This document reflects GSA's has review of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Version 4 (LEED v4), the new version of the LEED green building certification system published in November 2013 by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The purpose of the review was to examine how LEED v4 aligns with existing federal statutory, regulatory, and Executive Order green building requirements.
Developed by DoE, AIRMaster+ provides comprehensive information on assessing compressed air systems, including modeling, existing and future system upgrades, and evaluating savings and effectiveness of energy efficiency measures. Available for free.
Better Buildings Solutions Center
This website compiles, and makes searchable, practical and ready to replicate solutions. Designed to be quick reads and to help you not recreate the wheel, these solutions include checklists, questionnaires, calculators, and other tools for use in your energy savings projects and programs.
The Center, launched by DOE, is an online tool designed to provide building professionals with fast, free and reliable building science and efficiency knowledge. The tool is designed to enable professional homebuilders, remodelers, architects, designers, building science educators, researchers and code officials to have access to proven innovations and best practices from Energy Department-approved building science research for hundreds of high-performance home technologies. The Building America Solution Center brings together recommendations from the country's top building science experts to help participating builders and remodelers continuously improve their construction practices. At the heart of the Building America Solution Center are the guides -- a compilation of content covering eight critical topics for applying each individual measure. Users can also use a browser to view galleries of content - such as images, CAD files or case studies - or filter the results by keyword.
This collection of building energy software tools is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). DOE developed this directory because many Office of Building Technology, State and Community Program (BTS) programs develop software tools to help researchers, designers, architects, engineers, builders, code officials, and others involved in the building life-cycle to evaluate and rank potential energy-efficiency technologies and renewable energy strategies in new or existing buildings.
Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) 4.0.
BEES is a free software tool for selecting environmentally preferred, cost-effective building products. Version 4.0 updates data on more than 200 products and adds 30 new products for review. It also offers users the option of a new set of consensus weights for scoring the environmental impact of individual building products, based on a BEES Stakeholder Panel convened at NIST last year.
Building Life-Cycle Cost Program
Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to provide computational support for the analysis of capital investments in buildings. The focus is analysis for energy and water conservation and renewable energy projects based on the type of construction funding supporting the projects (MILCON, EO 13123, etc).
Cost Effective Upgrades Tool
A part of the SFTool, this tool is designed to help identify upgrades and energy conservation measures that can enhance your building's sustainability. Get started by selecting your building size and climate zone. The resulting information provides estimated payback time, capital cost, energy savings, and cost savings for a variety of potential upgrades and conservation measures.
Data Center Profiler Tools
The Data Center Profiler (DC Pro) Tools are "early stage" profiling tools designed for data center owners and operators to diagnose how energy is being used by their data centers and determine ways to save energy and money.
Energy Benchmarking Tool for Buildings
ENERGY STAR® has launched an upgraded version of its on-line energy benchmarking tool for buildings, which is called Portfolio Manager. Portfolio Manager’s features enables users to benchmark and label their buildings; track their buildings' energy and space use over time, set performance targets and monitor successes; compare buildings in their portfolio and set priorities for investing in and rewarding improved performance; track energy use and benchmark improvement over time, both for individual buildings and for the total portfolio; and make quick, first cut portfolio benchmarking easier.
This is an energy analysis and thermal load simulation program. Based on a user's description of a building from the perspective of the building's physical make-up and associated mechanical and other systems, EnergyPlus calculates heating and cooling loads necessary to maintain thermal control setpoints, conditions throughout a secondary HVAC system and coil loads, and the energy consumption of primary plant equipment.
FEMP Energy and Cost Savings Calculators for Energy-Efficient Products
These calculators allow users to enter their own input values (e.g., utility rates, hours of use, etc.) to estimate the energy cost savings from buying a more efficient product. Calculators are available for, but not limited to: compact fluorescent lamps, commercial unitary air conditioners, air cooled chillers, water-cooled chillers, commercial heat pumps, boilers, refrigerators, freezers, beverage vending machines, computers, monitors, faxes, printers, copiers, faucet/showerheads, toilet/urinals, central air conditioners, gas furnaces, electric/gas water heaters, clothes washers, and dish washers.
Green Globes is a web-based program for green building guidance and certification that includes an onsite assessment by a third party. The program has modules supporting new construction, existing buildings, and Healthcare buildings. It is suitable for a wide range of buildings from large and small offices, multi-family structures, hospitals, and institutional buildings such as courthouses, schools, and universities. The program includes best practices guidance for green construction and operations as well as a rating and certification system.
The Sustainable Facilities Tool is a one-stop online resource to support decision-making regarding sustainable building principles, materials and systems. Targeted to help project personnel identify and prioritize cost-effective, sustainable strategies for small projects that do not normally engage workplace consultants or designers, the Sustainable Facilities Tool helps users understand and select environmentally preferable solutions for renovations, alterations and leases.
This database showcasing examples of sustainable building projects in the federal government. Use the database to examine project details or to explore some construction or retrofit ideas for your facility. The High Performance Buildings Database is research sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy; it seeks to improve building performance measuring methods by collecting data on various factors that affect a building's performance, such as energy, materials, and land use. The database includes information from buildings around the world, ranging from homes and commercial interiors to large buildings and even whole campuses and neighborhoods. These may be certified "green" projects, or simply projects that have one or more notable environmental features. The information has been reviewed for consistency and presentation, but in most cases, the details have not been independently verified.
Developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), OpenStudio is the foundation for a number of end-user tools that help architects, building engineers and building energy modelers produce building simulations with more consistent results. It is a cross-platform (Windows, Mac, and Linux) collection of software tools to support whole building energy modeling using EnergyPlus and advanced daylight analysis using Radiance. OpenStudio is a free, open source project to facilitate community development, extension, and private sector adoption. OpenStudio includes graphical interfaces along with a Software Development Kit (SDK).
Sponsored by the the Healthy Building Network (HBN) and their partners, this tool seeks to define a consumer-driven vision of truly green building materials and how they should be evaluated in harmony with principles of environmental health and justice. Pharos evaluates materials across several impact categories such as energy/water usage, air quality impact, and toxicity, but also introduces new categories such as occupational safety, social justice and habitat impact that to date have not been included in any material rating system. One tool of Pharos is PharosWiki which provides users a place to research materials and chemicals and building products as well as sharing their experience and knowledge.
You can use the Power Profiler to generate a report about your own electricity use. All you need is your ZIP code.
Developed by DoE, the Process Heating Assessment and Survey Tool (PHAST) provides an introduction to process heating methods and tools to improve thermal efficiency of heating equipment. Use the tool to survey process heating equipment that uses fuel, steam, or electricity, and identify the most energy-intensive equipment. You can also perform an energy (heat) balance on selected equipment (furnaces) to identify and reduce non-productive energy use. Compare performance of the furnace under various operating conditions and test "what-if" scenarios. Available for free.
RADIANCE is a highly accurate ray-tracing software system for UNIX computers that is licensed at no cost to users for non-commercial use; commercial use licenses including distribution rights are available for a fee. Radiance was developed with primary support from the U.S. Department Of Energy and additional support from the Swiss Federal Government. It is copyrighted by the Regents of the University of California.
Roof Savings Calculator (RSC)
The Roof Savings Calculator was developed as an industry-consensus roof savings calculator for commercial and residential buildings using whole-building energy simulations. It is built upon the DOE-2.1E engine for fast energy simulation and integrates AtticSim for advanced modeling of modern attic and cool roofing technologies. An annual simulation of hour-by-hour performance is calculated for the building properties provided based on weather data for the selected location. Annual energy savings reported are based upon heating and cooling loads and thus this calculator is only relevant to buildings with a heating and/or cooling unit.
Steam System Modeler
This tool allows you to create up to a 3-pressure-header basic model of your current steam system. A second model can then be created by adjusting a series of characteristics simulating technical or input changes. This allows you to see how each component and adjustment impacts the others and what changes may be most beneficial to increasing the overall efficiency and stability of the system. An interactive diagram is provided for each model and includes comprehensive steam properties and operational details for clarity and ease of use. The modeler was developed to provide accurate results for the specific cases it represents and does not include a variety of variables that can and do impact any given steam system. Any final decisions should be made by appropriately qualified personnel and, if necessary, be based upon the use of more extensive analytical tools that can be more specifically tailored to your unique system.
Use the Submetering Wizard to learn about submetering techniques and benefits by system. You can also mark which benefits you've already attained and print or export your customized list of benefits. Start by selecting the type of system you want to meter.
A newsletter published by the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS).
Ecotecture Design & Publications
Each online issue of Ecotecture focuses on a particular aspect of the ecological design field, such as the redesign of cities for better ecological performance, sustainable agriculture, ecological housing, and alternative energy. The site also features interviews with a leading ecological designer and a forum for sharing ideas, designs, and the results of experiments.
This is a quarterly magazine is published by ASHRAE with a mission to help decision makers in the building community learn about the benefits of innovative technologies and energy-efficient design and operation. We do this with case studies of exemplary buildings, developed through the support of leading practitioners in the sustainability movement. High Performing Buildings is available in digital form at no cost.
Innovation & Design Credit Catalog
A listing of proven green building strategies that have been submitted and utilized by LEED Certified projects.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System ®
This voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing a high-performance, sustainable building was created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED can be applied to every building type and phase of a building lifecycle. Specific programs exist for the following building types: new commercial construction and major renovation projects; multiple buildings and on-campus building projects; existing building operations and maintenance; commercial interiors; core and shell development projects; homes neighborhood development, schools, and retail operations.
Wildflower Suppliers Directory
This directory has been compiled by Lady Bird Johnson's Wildflower Center to make it easier to find businesses that sell native plants or seeds and provide professional landscape or consulting services.
Agency Green Building Practices
A part of GSA's SFTool, this is a detailed repository of education and information about policies, strategies, case studies and tools developed in the process of greening their buildings and shared with the Interagency Sustainability Working Group (ISWG).
Sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council, GBIG provides tools that allow project teams, portfolio managers, investors, product manufacturers, researchers - and the general public - to discover green buildings around the world, generate insights and accelerate market transformation. Users can look for particular LEED Certified projects as well as more general information.
The Labs21 program developed a Tool Kit of resources to support the design, construction, and operation of high-performance laboratories. The tools include design guides, case studies, a performance rating system, a video, and other products that are planned or under development.
This is a collection of DOE protocols for determining energy savings from energy efficiency measures and programs. The first protocols were published in April 2013.
WBDG Federal Facilities Criteria Library
This is an extensive electronic library of construction guide specifications, manuals, standards and many other essential criteria documents. Published and updated continuously, this library contains the complete unabridged, approved, current electronic equivalents of over 5,000 documents direct from participating federal agencies. Documents are mainly available in Adobe Acrobat PDF. Some documents are also furnished by agencies in editable format, such as Microsoft Word or SpecsIntact specification processing program format used by the Army, NAVFAC and NASA. Documents are organized by agency and document type.
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment (COTE) Green Project Awards
The AIA COTE annually selects its "Top Ten" examples of architectural and "green" design solutions that protect and enhance the environment.
Building Materials Reuse Association's (BMRA)
The BMRA is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to facilitate building deconstruction and the reuse/recycling of recovered building materials.
Through the supply of technical support, tools, best practices, analyses, and the introduction of technologies, the Center of Expertise assists federal agencies and other organizations implement data center energy efficiency projects.
The Energy Efficient Building Association promotes a systems approach to ensure energy efficiency, building durability, occupant comfort and health, and environmental responsibility. Its Web site provides downloadable information (in PDF format) for energy- and resource-efficient buildings and assists small, low-rise commercial buildings with specific criteria for design, construction, and comprehensive rehabilitation.
Energy Star - New Building Design
Help protect our environment by designing buildings with superior energy performance. Top performing facilities that are designed to earn the ENERGY STAR require less money to operate and are responsible for fewer greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Take advantage of tools and resources from EPA, and join building design professionals from around the country who are demonstrating their commitment to creating sustainable architecture.
GBI is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to accelerate the adoption of building practices that result in energy-efficient, healthier and environmentally sustainable buildings by promoting credible and practical green building approaches for residential and commercial construction.
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities' mission is to increase the awareness of the economic, social, and environmental benefits of green roof infrastructure across North America and rapidly advance the development of the market for green roof products and services.
A national network of green building professionals, environmental and health activists, socially responsible investment advocates and others who are interested in promoting healthier building materials as a means of improving public health and preserving the global environment.
NIBS is a non-profit, non-governmental organization bringing together representatives of government, the professions, industry, labor and consumer interests to focus on the identification and resolution of problems and potential problems that hamper the construction of safe, affordable structures for housing, commerce and industry throughout the United States.
This EPA website includes links to examples of tribal building codes, an assessment tool (with tribal case studies) for identifying and prioritizing structures the community wants to build, funding opportunities, and multiple other resources supporting sustainable design in tribal communities.
A collection of projects and practices which Federal agencies have implemented to achieve green building goals. Information is categorized by the headings "Policies and Strategies," Tools and Training," and "Best Practices and Case Studies." Subjects covered within these categories include, but are not limited to: water conservation, energy efficiency, metering, NetZero, lighting, green leasing, sustainable acquisition, and design.
Benefits and Challenges of Green Roofs on Public and Commercial Buildings
This report commissioned by the Office of Federal High Performance Green Buildings includes a literature review of 200 research studies, in-depth analysis of green roof benefits, an original cost-benefit analysis, discussion of challenges and best practices, and assessment of further research needs. The report estimated a 6.2-year payback for this technology on commercial and public buildings.
Commercial Building Energy Goals for Lodging
This technical support document, dated September 2009, was created by the DOE national laboratories under the direction of DOE's Building Technologies Program. It describes the assumptions, methodologies, and analyses used to reach 50% energy savings over ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004. This report provides recommendations and user-friendly design assistance to designers, developers, and owners of highway lodging properties and is intended to encourage steady progress towards net-zero energy performance in these buildings.
Decision Guides for Plug and Process Load Controls
Plug and process loads (PPLs) consume about one-third of the primary energy in U.S. commercial buildings. PPLs cover a wide variety of electronic, computer, refrigeration, and cooking devices, including essential equipment for information processing, medical treatment, and food service businesses. The December 2015 decision guides found in this resource were created to help building owners find the right control strategy for PPLs in their buildings. Developed by the Better Building Alliance, the guides are developed for different building types and outline the costs, potential savings, complexities, and user friendliness of various control strategies and their applications to each building type. The guides also aim to help building owners determine whether a control is appropriate for particular project applications such as staged retrofit projects, whole-building retrofits, new construction projects, and projects that involve tenants and landlords. Lastly, the guides provide links to additional resources that can further help building owners assess and reduce the energy use that is associated with PPLs, find rebates for PPL control measures, and procure the right control types for their building equipment.
Military Construction and Major RenovationsNational Research Council, concludes that green building certification systems such as LEED offer frameworks for successfully reducing energy and water use in buildings. The report is based on a review of empirical studies related to energy-efficiency and green building standards.
Estimating the Environmental Effects of Green Roofs
This August 2018 EPA case study demonstrates the environmental and health benefits of green roofs for Kansas City, Missouri. The case study lays out a replicable analytical framework using free quantitative tools created by EPA and others that state and local decision-makers and practitioners can use to assess the multiple benefits of green roofs.
Fort Carson Energy Research Project
To help the Army and Fort Carson achieve their Net-Zero goals, GSA partnered with them to conduct the Fort Carson Energy Research Project. The research team tested and analyzed strategies to minimize energy use, including both improving building systems and influencing occupant behavior. The researchers targeted strategies with the highest return on investment over the lifecycle of the buildings studied. This report was issued in 2014.
GreenSpec(r) High Performance Buildings Case Studies
This is a database that provides case studies of projects ranging from homes and commercial interiors to large buildings and even whole campuses and neighborhoods. These may be certified green projects, or simply projects that have one or more notable environmental features. The information has been reviewed for consistency and presentation, but in most cases the details have not been independently verified.
High Performance Buildings for Labs, Data Centers, and Cleanrooms
Energy consumption at labs, data centers, and cleanrooms is characterized by large base-loads operating 24 hours a day with energy intensities much larger than typical commercial buildings. The intent of this website is to provide a portal to a portfolio of research, development, demonstration, and deployment of energy-efficient technologies and practices for high-tech facilities such as laboratories, cleanrooms, and data centers.
Impact of High Performance Buildings, June 2018 GSA Case Study
Low Impact Development (LID) for Sustainable Installations: Stormwater Design and Planning Guidance for Development within Army Training Areas
The document begins with a review of LID, its purpose and methods. It also includes numerous examples of the application of LID at DOD training areas. It then devotes the majority of its pages to a set of fact sheets on such topics as "Secondary Roads", "Small Weapons Firing Ranges", "Maneuver Corridors", and "Bioretention Technology". It ends with good number of plans and drawings for the hard-corps planning/engineering staff.
Meeting Energy Efficiency, Sustainability, and ASHRAE Standards at DoD Facilities
Contains information on studies conducted by the Army and the Air Force on the costs and requirements of meeting energy efficiency, sustainability, and ASHRAE standards.
This report compares different green building rating systems for Federal use. The report was authored by Pacific Northwest National Lab.
This website provides a brief overview of the role of green roofs in mitigating the heat island effect, including green roof types, other environmental and social benefits, and cost-benefit considerations.
A Decade of Change in Homebuilding with Energy Star
A summary of the impact of the Energy Star Program in homebuilding.
Issued by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), this report, dated 1 December 2008, highlights combined heat and power (CHP) as a realistic solution to enhance national energy efficiency, ensure environmental quality, promote economic growth, and foster a robust energy infrastructure.
EPA has partnered with the Federal Environmental Executive and the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG) to develop the Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers. The intent of the document is to address the need for a comprehensive guide for procuring green building products and construction services within the Federal government.
Guiding Principles of Sustainable Design (NPS)
Guiding Principles of Sustainable Design published by the US Department of Interior and National Park Service.
This is a collection of resources to support the design, construction, and operation of high-performance laboratories. The tools include design guides, case studies, a performance rating system, a video, and other products that are planned or under development.
This guide was released May 2012. It targets standard mid- to large-size hospital, typically at least 100,000 ft2 in size, but the strategies apply to all sizes and classifications of large hospitals. Space types covered include cafeterias and kitchens; conference and office areas; reception and waiting areas; examination and treatment rooms; clean and soiled workrooms; nurse stations; nurseries and patient rooms; operating, procedure and recovery rooms; sterilizer equipment areas; pharmacies and laboratories; triage, trauma, and emergency rooms; physical therapy and radiology/imaging rooms; storage, receiving, and mechanical/electrical/telecom rooms. This Guide does not directly address other, atypical or special-use spaces. This guide was developed through the collaboration of ASHRAE, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES), and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), with support from the Department of Energy (DOE), to help meet all of an owner's energy performance requirements. In an effort to promote building energy efficiency, ASHRAE and its partners has made this guide available for download (PDF) at no charge.
Advanced Energy Design Guide Series from ASHRAE
These guides offer contractors and designers the tools, including recommendations for practical products and off-the-shelf technology, needed for achieving a 30% energy savings compared to buildings that meet the minimum requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999. These guides have been developed through the collaboration of ASHRAE, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES), and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), with support from the Department of Energy (DOE), to help meet all of an owner's energy performance requirements. Sector-specific guides are available for: small hospitals and healthcare facilities; lodging facilities; small warehouses and self-storage; schools; small retail buildings; small office buildings. ASHRAE and its partners have made these guides available for download (PDF) at no charge.
Advanced Energy Design Guide: Medium to Small Buildings
This guide provides the tools, including recommendations for practical products and off-the-shelf technology, needed for achieving a 50% energy savings compared to buildings that meet the minimum requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004. The guide applies to small to medium office buildings up to 100,000 ft2, including a wide range of office types and related activities such as administrative, professional, government, bank or other financial services, and medical offices without medical diagnostic equipment. Also provides a greater emphasis on integrated design as a necessary component in achieving 50% energy savings.
Advanced Energy Retrofit Guide (AERG) for Healthcare Facilities
Issued September 2013, this is part of a series of retrofit guides commissioned by the U.S. Department of Energy. By presenting general project planning guidance as well as detailed descriptions and financial payback metrics for the most important and relevant energy efficiency measures (EEMs), the guides provide a practical roadmap for effectively planning and implementing performance improvements in existing buildings.
This checklist was developed by EPA. Called GreenCheck, the process provides a method for EPA to track the compliance of projects at facilities it owns and/or occupies where Federal sustainable building requirements apply.
GSA LEED Application Guide
This is a companion document to the GSA LEED Cost Study, which outlines an evaluation process in which the predicted first cost impacts of the individual LEED prerequisites and credits (developed from the Cost Study) are used as a basis for structuring an overall LEED project approach. The process also illustrates how LEED criteria relate to existing GSA mandates, performance goals, and programmatic requirements.
This guide is offered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP). The FEMP guide walks users through renewable energy options to help select appropriate types of renewable energy technologies and integrate these technologies into all phases of new construction or major renovation projects. This Guide also provides introductory information on why Federal agencies should consider renewable energy, specific guidance on major renovations, and guidance and resources for training and outreach for projects that use renewable energy.
Managing Your Environmental Responsibilities (MYER): A Planning Guide for Construction and Development
This guide is for the construction company owner, contractor, architect, and other personnel involved in construction and development. Use this guide during the pre-bid phase to learn what is required; use it during the pre-construction phase to assign environmental responsibilities; and during the construction phase to find answers to ongoing environmental questions or conducting self audits.
VA's Sustainable Design Manual
A web-based portal providing government and industry practitioners with one-stop access to up-to-date information on a wide range of building-related guidance, criteria and technology from a 'whole buildings' perspective. Currently organized into two major categories--Design Guidance and Project Management. Development of the WBDG is a collaborative effort among federal agencies, private sector companies, non-profit organizations and educational institutions.
Building Air Quality (BAQ)
A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers This guide provides practical suggestions on preventing, identifying, and resolving indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in public and commercial buildings.
This document was designed to meet the needs of building owners and managers who want an easy-to-understand path for taking their building from current conditions and practices to the successful institutionalization of good IAQ management practices.
EPA's Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Home Page
The starting point for EPA's Indoor Air Quality Program.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Guide
Includes the best practices for design, construction, and commissioning of new non-residential buildings. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and an industry consortium developed this reference.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Large Buildings
EPA website devoted to IAQ in large buildings such as office buildings.
A guidance tool designed for use by building professionals and others interested in indoor air quality in commercial buildings. I-BEAM supplements EPA's Building Air Quality (BAQ) guide.
This ASHRAE guide is designed for architects, design engineers, contractors, commissioning agents, and all other professionals concerned with indoor air quality.
Field Guide for Sustainable Construction
This document was developed to assist and educate field workers, supervisors and managers in making decisions that help the project team meet sustainable project goals. The field guide is designed to fill a significant void in available information for sustainable construction methods. It systematically draws together and organizes information on many aspects of construction that can assure the sustainability of a facility. Simple methods and suggested practices are presented for the major phases of construction in the field guide.
Growth Fixes for Climate Adaptation and Resilience: Changing Land Use and Building Codes and Policies to Prepare for Climate Change
This January 2017 EPA publication outlines more than 70 policies local government officials, staff, and boards can consider to help adapt to current or projected flooding and extreme precipitation, sea level rise and storm surge, extreme heat, drought, and wildfire. These policies range from modest adjustments to wholesale changes, giving communities a range of options to consider depending on their needs and context. The publication includes examples of communities implementing these policies, resources for more information, and metrics that communities could use taken from three community-scale sustainability rating systems.
Achieving Sustainable Site Design Through Low Impact Development Practices (Web-based)
Offered as part of the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG) Continuing Education Courses, this course will provide an introduction to the concepts and technologies of low impact development, with an overview and emphasis on strategies for protecting and conserving water on site. If you don't have a WBDG account, you will have to register (for free) before gaining access to the courses.
The focus of this 2-hour EPA course is retrofitting stormwater management practices into watersheds that have already been developed. This approach can help restore watersheds by providing stormwater treatment in locations it was not originally included.
Building Commissioning Principles and Strategies (Web-based, On Demand)
An overview of commissioning information, guidance, and resources is presented under three broad principles, including Determine Project Performance Requirements, Owner's Role and Responsibilities in the Commissioning Process, and Commissioning Document Compliance and Acceptance. All three principles are applied over the life-span of a capital design and construction project, and that it takes a multi-disciplined effort involving owners, design professionals, construction managers, and commissioning providers to achieve optimal results from the commissioning process.
Commissioning for Existing Federal Buildings (Web-based, On Demand)
This course is designed for Energy and Facility Managers who manage commissioning processes for existing Federal buildings. Focusing on proven strategies in the Federal sector, the training is designed to achieve the maximum benefits of commissioning efforts. Specific Federal applications such as laboratories and data centers are discussed within the overall context of helping Federal staff maximize operational efficiencies including cost and energy savings. There is an emphasis on employing best practices to select and execute improvements that incorporate processes to ensure the persistence of the efficiency outcomes. This course is offered through the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG) through a partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) and the National Institute of Building Sciences.
Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) From A to Z (Web-based, On Demand)
The focus of this 2-hour EPA course is how to develop an effective SWPPP. IT includes a discussion of common problems found on construction sites.
Federal Energy Management Plan (FEMP) Training Calendar
Facility managers, energy managers, contractors, and others need to understand the latest information about energy and water management in order to help the Federal government be save energy and money and meet energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation goals. With targeted and up-to-date courses, FEMP helps Federal energy managers become more proficient in energy management and learn about alternative forms of financing energy-saving projects. Additional classes are listed also.
Metering Benefits and Federal Drivers (Web-based, On Demand)
This course outlines federal requirements and drivers for metering, and provides best practices for selecting and prioritizing metering projects. This course is the first in a three-part series on the topic of advanced metering for federal facilities
Sustainable Strategies for Existing Federal Facilities (Web-based, On Demand)
In this training, FEMP Expert Sarah Jensen provides training to optimize building technologies, avoid the costs of waste and inefficiency, and create productive, comfortable, and healthy work environments. She addresses O&M practices; the application of tools to baseline, benchmark, and audit facilities to comply with the Guiding Principles for High Performance Sustainable Existing Buildings; how to implement sustainable strategies, and engaging an organizational team.
Tools and Guidance For Developing Post-Construction Stormwater Management Programs (Web-based, On Demand)
This 2-hour EPA training includes guidance on conducting a program self-assessment, developing effective stormwater management criteria, and incorporating credits for LID and runoff reduction.
USGBC LEED Training Workshop Calendar
Simply click on the Search button for a complete list of workshops that are currently open for registration or enter specific search criteria for a filtered list. Please note that our calendar is frequently updated, so continue to check back to find upcoming workshops. After clicking the Search button, the page will refresh and you will need to scroll down to see the workshop listings.
07/10 - Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit (Arlington VA) (Until 07/11)
09/25 - 2019 ASHRAE Building Performance Analysis Conference (Denver CO) (Until 09/27)