WASHINGTON - The National Academies of Sciences’ Federal Facilities Council, in conjunction with the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), will host a joint policy forum focusing on efficient energy use in buildings in Washington, D.C., Sept. 11, 2008.

According to the organizations, this third annual Public Policy Forum will present legislators with emerging issues and best practices relating to sustainability in facility management. The forum will offer a variety of individual presentations, with topics of discussion including energy efficient solutions for the built environment, the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from commercial buildings, and the challenges related to creating and supporting sustainable initiatives.

“This event presents a unique opportunity to facilitate dialogue between public and private sector leaders about sustainability in the built environment and to discuss legislative and policy trends,” said Jeffrey Johnson, IFMA director of government relations. “This year’s forum will address the driving forces behind recent energy legislation and energy efficiency requirements while attempting to evaluate the intentions of Congress and the administration in meeting these requirements.”

A number of federal officials have been invited to speak at the forum, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Barbara Boxer, Sen. Jeff Bingaman, Sen. Byron Dorgan, Rep. Bob Brady, Rep. Edward Markey, Rep. Jay Inslee, and Rep. Dennis Rehberg. Other government and private sector speakers slated to attend are Donna McIntire of the State Department, Joe Grabowski of the Ferreira Group, and representatives from IFMA.

The Public Policy Forum will be held in room HC-5 of the U.S. Capitol from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11. Facility professionals and members of the general public are invited to attend.

For more information, visit www.nationalacademies.org/ffc or www.ifma.org.

Publication date: 09/08/2008