Summit unites federal agencies on sustainability

摘要

A memorandum of understanding signed by 17 federal agencies on January 24 establishes "guiding principles" of sustainability for the government to take into account in its buildings. The agencies agreed to: 1) employ integrated design and commissioning in major construction and renovation; 2) cut energy costs by 30% vs. ASHRAE 90.1-2004 and provide measurement and verification; 3) protect and conserve water (20% less than under the Energy Policy Act of 1992); 4) enhance indoor environmental quality (thermal comfort, moisture control, day-lighting, low-emitting materials); 5) reduce environmental impact of materials (10% post-consumer recycled content, bio-based content, reduce construction waste at least 50%, eliminate ozone-depleting compounds). The agencies were given 180 days to come up with technical guidance to implement the principles.