12 Technologies the GSA Is Using to Go Green
Preliminary studies identify five categories that are ripe for improved efficiency.
The GSA recently released preliminary results of tests they ran on12 technologies related to sustainable buildings. This initiative is part of the Green Proving Ground program, which “aims to drive innovation in environmental performance in federal buildings and help lead market transformation through deployment of new technologies.”
Ultimately, the program should lower power, technology and maintenance costs for federal real estate, and uncover significant cost-savings for the government, which owns more than 900,000 buildings. The technologies are broken into five categories, which are listed below.
Building Envelope
The envelope, or outer seal, of a building is one of the largest costs a landlord can incur. Heated and cooled air that leaks from a building is a huge temperature-regulation cost.
HVAC/Energy Management
Controlling the temperature of a building and the water inside creates a lot of wasted energy and money. The technologies below, along with envelope-sealing the building, aim to optimize energy consumption.
Lighting
Improvements in lighting not only make it easier for employees to work but also can save huge amounts of money. Modern lighting systems are more efficient, and they provide better light quality.
On-site Power Generation
Alternate methods of generating power could make some government-owned buildings self-reliant in meeting electricity needs. Solar power and other unconventional methods are seeing positive results.
Water
Water is constantly entering and exiting commercial buildings. It’s also being cooled, heated and chemically treated. There are a number of ways to make this process more efficient, including a modern-day irrigation system.