The U.S. Federal Government continues to be a leader in adopting sustainability strategies for new construction and existing buildings.  Traditionally, government agencies have used green building assessment and certification programs to implement these strategies.  Government contractors and suppliers have used knowledge of these rating systems to open doors and win contracts. However, the rules may change as agencies work to meet the requirements in the Guiding Principles for Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings.  In an era of fewer building projects, knowledge of these requirements is a tool that can help companies compete more effectively for contract opportunities.
Executive Order Drives Change
In 2009, the President issued , which requires federal agencies to measure, report, and reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The order further requires agencies to implement standards for high performance and sustainable design, construction, operation/management, maintenance, and deconstruction of federal buildings and ensure that all new construction, major renovation, and repair/alteration of federal buildings complies with the Guiding Principles for Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings (Guiding Principles).  Specifically, the order requires that at least 15 percent of an agency's existing buildings over 5,000 gross square feet comply with the Guiding Principles by fiscal year 2015.  In addition, each agency must make annual progress toward 100-percent compliance with the Guiding Principles for its entire building inventory.
The five areas that comprise the Federal Guiding Principles are—
- Employ Integrated Assessment, Operation and Management Principles
- Optimize Energy Performance
- Protect and Conserve Water
- Enhance Indoor Environmental Quality (IAQ)
- Reduce Environmental Impact of Materials
Guiding Principles Compliance NC: Rating & Certification Process
The final report for New Construction provides key information, summarized below. Â The provides similar reports.- A final GPC score and rating;
- Graphs, charts, and data to clarify compliance details;
- Standardized reporting to ensure consistency;
- The ability to benchmark within and across agencies and
- A roadmap that identifies areas for future focus and corresponding actions that can be taken when developing a continuous improvement plan.
- Guiding Principles Compliance Professional ( training and personnel certification
- Guiding Principles Compliance assessment and building certification