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GSA Joins U.S. Green Building Council
GSA #9802 March 6, 2001 WASHINGTON, D. C. -- The U.S. General Services Administration has become the first federal member of the U.S. Green Building Council, a coalition of building owners, developers, product manufacturers, design professionals, environmental groups, utilities, local governments, universities and financial institutions working to hasten adoption of green building practices, technologies, policies, and standards. "Showing support for the U.S. Green Building Council and the important work they do will advance environmentally friendly policies both within the agency and throughout the rest of the federal government," said Debra Yap, Director of GSA's Environmental Business Strategies Division The council, based in Washington, D.C., is the only organization that focuses all sectors on green buildings, said GSA architect Don Horn. "Most important, the council's green building rating system, LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the premier rating system in the United States," Horn said. "As a council member, GSA will have input in the documents the council develops." As buildings become more energy-efficient, they cost less to operate. Also, green buildings promote a healthy environment for employees, which leads to more productive workers, said Horn, who put GSA's name on the membership list in January. "The whole green movement is growing," Horn said. "It's motivating many changes. Local governments are changing zoning regulations to enhance environmental initiatives. States are awarding tax credits for green buildings. Federal agencies are incorporating principles of sustainable design into their standard practices." U.S. General Services Administration |