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Green Building Certification System Review

Section 436(h) of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) requires GSA to evaluate green building certification systems every five years to identify a system and certification level “deem(ed) to be most likely to encourage a comprehensive and environmentally sound approach to certification of green buildings.”  EISA directs the Director of GSA’s Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings to provide the findings to the Secretary of Energy who, in consultation with the Department of Defense and GSA, formally identifies the system(s) to be used across the federal government.

In 2006, GSA first evaluated certification systems focusing on new construction and major renovation.  Based on this 2006 review, GSA identified the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system for use in the Federal sector.

GSA completed its most recent evaluation of green building certification systems in March 2012.  This evaluation includes certification systems for new construction, major renovations and existing buildings (ongoing operations). 

As part of the review process, GSA is convening key federal portfolio holders to evaluate and make recommendations on the role of green building certification systems in advancing high performance in the federal real estate portfolio. An ad-hoc review group, co-chaired by GSA, the Department of Energy (DoE), and the Department of Defense (DoD), will develop findings taking into account the following areas:

  • The EISA§436(h) report evaluating green building certification systems
  • Interrelationships among green building certification systems and recently promulgated green building standards (i.e. ASHRAE 189.1 and the IGCC)
  • Federal high performance building design, construction and operations requirements
  • Proposed revisions to the High Performance and Sustainable Building Guiding Principles
  • Metrics to inform building performance tracking and reporting
  • Consideration of cost effectiveness: how high performance in buildings can reduce the total cost of ownership

Public listening sessions will be held to solicit feedback from stakeholders as the review group considers the topics outlined above.  The review group’s findings will be shared through a notice-and-comment period in the Federal Register. Following public comment, GSA, DoD, and DOE will consult to develop the formal recommendation on how green building certification systems can be used to facilitate high performance in the Federal sector.

Visit the links below to view the most recent Green Building Certification System Review as well as the Appendices:

Green Building Certification System Review

Green Building Certification System Review Appendices

The shortcut to this page is www.gsa.gov/gbcertificationreview

 


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