by Brianna Crandall — June 13, 2016 — As a member of the High Performance Building Coalition, global building technology society ASHRAE posted an announcement reminding facilities-related professionals that this week, June 13-17, 2016, is High Performance Building Week.
High-performance buildings play a central role in solving some of the nation’s most pressing challenges, says ASHRAE. Members of the Coalition work with members of Congress during High Performance Building Week to expand awareness of the importance of these buildings. The theme of the week is “Challenges and Solutions for Improving Resiliency, Workforce Development, Energy and Water Efficiency.”
Dain Hansen, chair of the High Performance Building Coalition, points out:
People spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, and buildings are the single largest consumer of energy and water in the United States. As a result, the built environment has a huge impact on virtually all aspects of American life and national security, yet few have a thorough understanding of this complex industry.
High Performance Building Week…provides a unique and important opportunity for members of the building community to organize and focus their efforts on educational talks with policymakers on the challenges of the building industry and the many benefits of high-performance buildings. In the past, dialogue generated during High Performance Building Week events has resulted in the development and passage of innovative legislation that addresses resiliency, workforce development, energy and water efficiency needs.”
- Monday, June 13, noon-1 p.m. | 122 Cannon House Office Building: Congressional Luncheon Briefing — Federal Engagement in Efficiency Standards
- Tuesday, June 14, Noon-1 p.m. | B369 Rayburn House Office Building: Congressional Luncheon Briefing — OMB A-119 — The U.S. Government’s Standards Policy — A Prime Example of Congress and the Executive Branch Working Together
- Tuesday, June 14, 5-7 p.m. | United States Capitol Visitor Center (HVC-200): Congressional Reception — Welcoming remarks by High Performance Building Congressional Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives David McKinley (R-WV-1) and Peter Welch (D-VT-At Large) (invited) (RSVP by 3 p.m. on June 13)
- Wednesday, June 15, 12:30-1:30 p.m. | 2103 Rayburn House Office Building: Congressional Luncheon Briefing — Meeting State and Local Demand for High Performance Green Residential and Commercial Buildings
- Thursday, June 16, noon-1 p.m. | 2253 Rayburn House Office Building: Congressional Luncheon Briefing — Achieving a High-Performance Built Environment: Findings and Recommendations from the Consultative Council
A description of each event is available on the ASHRAE announcement. RSVP for events on the HPBCC Events site.
The High Performance Building Coalition is a coalition of approximately 200 organizations, including ASHRAE; the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI); Alliance to Save Energy (ASE); Building Owners & Managers Association International (BOMA); the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and others, that provides guidance and support to the High Performance Building Caucus of the U.S. Congress.
The Coalition supports legislation and policies that protect life and property, promote innovative building technologies, enhance U.S. economic competitiveness, increase energy and water efficiency in the built-environment, advance sustainable and resilient communities, and support the development of private sector standards, codes and guidelines that address these concerns.
