Industry leaders gathered at a reception to recognize High-Performance Building Week. From left to right: Tony Keane, executive vice president, International Facility Management Association; Jim Sealy, chairman, National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS); Jerry Weiss, group chairman, ESCO; Henry Green, president, NIBS; and George Borkovich, principal, AEC Science & Technology.

WASHINGTON - During the week of June 13-19, congressional leaders who represent the High-Performance Building Congressional Caucus Coalition met with industry leaders for High-Performance Building Week.

The High-Performance Buildings Caucus of the U.S. Congress was formed to heighten awareness and inform policy-makers about the major impact buildings have on public health, safety, and welfare and the opportunities to design, construct, and operate high-performance buildings that reflect concern for these impacts.

A reception on June 15 honored leaders in global sustainability. The event was sponsored by ESCO Institute, Green Mechanical Council, HVAC Excellence, and Ecobuild America. Co-sponsors included the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, National Institute of Building Sciences, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, Green Building Initiative, American Institute of Architects, American Society of Landscape Architects, and National Fire Protection Association.

Attendees of the reception were addressed by Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-Mo.; Rep. Judy Biggert, R-Ill.; Jerry Weiss, executive director of the ESCO Group; Gordon Holness, past president of ASHRAE; and George Borkavich of Ecobuild.

Weiss presented an award to Holness for his enlightened leadership and personal dedication in the advancement of global sustainability.

“The vast majority of buildings that will exist in the year 2030 exist today,” Holness said. “If we are to have a material impact on overall energy use, it is through renovation of existing building stock. While existing buildings present great challenges, they offer us a greater opportunity to significantly impact our overall national energy demand, reduce our dependence upon imported oil and gas, and minimize our carbon footprint.”

For more information, visit www.hpbccc.org.

Publication date:07/26/2010