The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has released the first comprehensive document undertaken by a federal agency regarding acquiring, constructing, operating and maintaining sustainable buildings. “Sustainability Matters” is a collection of case studies and industry best-practices that address GSA’s sustainability initiatives and strategies at all stages of a building’s lifecycle.

“Sustainability in building design, construction and operation is fundamental to our agency core mission of providing superior workplaces at the best value for the American taxpayer,” said GSA’s Commissioner of Public Buildings David L. Winstead. “We want to be part of transforming the building industry so that ‘green’ is the only way of doing business.”

In this study, GSA demonstrates how to create sustainable buildings by intelligently integrating energy efficient and environmentally sound decisions and technologies into building designs. GSA uses the LEED rating system as a tool to evaluate and measure its achievement in sustainable design. The goals are to conserve resources and create more productive and healthier work places.

The full text of “Sustainability Matters” is on GSA’s Web site atwww.gsa.gov/sustainabledesign, under sustainable design program documents.