The High-Performance Building Congressional Caucus Coalition (HPBCCC), established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), is highlighting the importance of high-performance buildings to federal, state, and local policymakers and the general public in Washington, D.C., this week, which it has dubbed High-Performance Building Week.
“The building industry has a huge impact on the environment as buildings consume vast amounts of resources and are responsible for nearly half of all greenhouse-gas emissions,” ASHRAE President Gordon Holness said. “As such we strive to offset that impact through responsible design, construction and operation. High-performance buildings, which address human, environmental, economic and total societal impact, are the result of the application of the highest level design, construction, operation and maintenance principles.”
Representatives Judy Biggert (R-Ill.) and Russ Carnahan (D-Mo.), who serve as co-chairs of the High-Performance Building Caucus, have introduced a resolution (H.Res.1407) in the House of Representatives supporting the goals and ideals of the week.
The week includes a Congressional visit and press event at the National Institute of Standards and Technology as well as two briefings for Congressional staff.
Speakers presenting “Getting the Whole Picture of High-Performance” include Gordon Holness; a representative from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA); and Evan Gaddis, chief executive officer of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).
A luncheon briefing on “Partnerships for Net-Zero-Energy Buildings” will take place on June 18. The presenters are David Terry, executive director of the National Association of State Energy Officials; Jim Rannels, team leader of the Building Technologies division of the U.S. Department of Energy; William Sisson, director of sustainability at the United Technologies Research Center; and Kevin Kampschroer, director of the Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings at the U.S. General Services Administration.
Additional activities in Washington, D.C., include site visits, such as to the American Society of Landscape Architects’ Green Roof program, and a reception honoring advancements toward widespread achievement of high-performance buildings, at which Holness will be honored.
For more information, visit www.hpbccc.org/hpbweek.php.