Free GSA Sustainable Facilities Tool Available Now
The Web-based tool should help government and industry personnel identify and prioritize cost-effective, sustainable strategies for small projects that do not normally engage workplace consultants or designers.
Noblis, in collaboration with CTG Energetics and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), has announced the release of the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) Sustainable Facilities Tool.
GSA has been at the forefront of sustainability initiatives within the government, including providing the GSA Carbon Footprint Tool, and has set ambitious goals to embrace a zero environmental footprint.
The agency is rolling out its latest sustainability initiative, a Web-based Sustainable Facilities Tool to help government and industry personnel identify and prioritize cost-effective, sustainable strategies for small projects that do not normally engage workplace consultants or designers. The Sustainable Facilities Tool’s initial focus is on workplace projects under 10,000 square feet.
“Understanding the whole lifecycle of a building enables us to most effectively incorporate sustainable features at every opportunity,” said Don Horn, deputy director of GSA’s Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings. “A 3-D interactive walkthrough of office interiors and built-in material comparisons are wonderful features. Sustainability planning, case studies, design guidance, and links to relevant regulations, make the Sustainable Facilities Tool invaluable to a project manager.”
Noblis, in conjunction with USGBC and CTG Energetics, developed the Sustainable Facilities Tool for GSA. The team offered an integrated, sustainability focused approach with extensive sustainable building and online systems development expertise. Noblis, with its track record of providing project management, system architecture, and Web-based application development, was responsible for overall project management and technical implementation of the online environment. Noblis designed a technical platform that is a custom content management system designed to assist in building sustainable communities. USGBC’s Education and Research department participated in project team workshops and provided expert peer review. CTG Energetics, a green building specialist with practical expertise in sustainable site planning, sustainable design, construction, and facilities management. was responsible for the sustainability content and developing the computer-aided design models.
The Sustainable Facilities Tool is intended for facility managers, realty specialists, project managers from governmental agencies and private sector developers, as well as, building occupants and owners who require more guidance about sustainability, why it matters, and how to implement sustainable solutions.