Industry Group Pushes for Green Rating Competition

As more research points to the benefits of energy efficiency in commercial properties, reps from the U.S. Green Building Initiative, a U.S.-based nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate the adoption of green building practices, are urging the federal government to open the playing field for green certification programs within its extensive commercial property portfolio.

On March 30, GBI President Ward Hubbell asked the Government Services Administration to reconsider its U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-only policy, stating that green building rating system competition will lead to progress and innovation in the energy-efficiency sector. While the GSA currently uses the LEED certification program, government agencies such as the State Department and Veterans Affairs have used GBI's Green Globes rating system to assess and certify numerous buildings, Hubbell noted in a press release issued by GBI.

“An open playing field has given several federal agencies much more flexibility to choose an assessment and rating tool that best fits their needs,” Hubbell said. “The American public benefits from competition in the form of reduced government expenditures and enhanced environmental outcomes. Government agencies benefit from competition in the form of better customer service and labor savings. The market benefits by incenting suppliers to improve their product and service offerings and increase value.”