Sustainability Performance

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
                Washington, DC 20405

 

PBS 1098.1
January 11, 2023

GSA ORDER 
 

SUBJECT:  Sustainability Performance

1. Purpose.

This Order directs and reiterates the Public Buildings Service’s (PBS) continued commitment to sustainability performance across the owned and leased real property portfolio. The Order’s overarching goals are to improve asset performance; reduce energy use, water use, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions; increase the number of all-electric buildings, net zero energy, and high performance sustainable Federal buildings; and achieve portfolio-wide net zero operational emissions by 2045. This Order supports proper focus, engagement, collaboration, planning, and accountability across PBS business lines and regions.

2. Background.

GSA is a key leader in the Federal Government’s real estate management and optimization efforts. PBS is charged with designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining a right-sized and sustainable Federal building portfolio that supports Federal operations now and for future generations. PBS expects to experience long-term increases in energy and water costs, and there are growing concerns about air quality, environmental stewardship, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. PBS is taking action by deploying policies and programs to control operating costs, reduce environmental impacts, and improve overall building performance.

Sustainability performance goals include but are not limited to:

• Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions;
• Generation and Purchase of Carbon Pollution-Free Electricity;
• Reduction of Energy and Water Usage, and Generation of Solid Waste;
• Enhanced Indoor Environmental Quality;
• Reduction of Operating Costs;
• Development and Utilization of Specifications for Sustainable Materials and Products;
• Locating, Designing, and Reinvesting into Federal Facilities to Promote Sustainable and Equitable Development;
• Promoting Environmental Justice in Neighboring Communities;
• Designing, Constructing, and Operating Sustainable and Resilient Buildings; and
• Incorporating Regenerative Systems.

The continued transformation of the PBS portfolio to meet new post-pandemic future of work customer requirements will help advance flexible and innovative solutions to meet the evolving workplace needs of diverse customer agencies. Further transitioning to a high performance sustainable Federal portfolio will help PBS cost-effectively maintain and improve its workplace solutions for the long-term benefit of both tenants and American taxpayers.

3.  Scope and Applicability.

This Order applies to all PBS business lines, programs, and initiatives that involve acquisition, planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, lease, renovation, and disposal of Federally-owned facilities. 

Nothing in this Order changes the applicability and policy of when and how the GSA Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service applies to projects.

4.  Policy.

This Order formalizes core business practices, roles, and guidelines for PBS to achieve its sustainability performance goals. All PBS business lines must ensure appropriate policies, procedures, and measures are in place to provide for the continued use, appropriate care, and enhanced sustainability of Federally-owned buildings and leased space. Each PBS business line and region will update or expand its policies, guidance, and business practices as necessary to implement this Order.