subject: GSA Updates Construction Standards [print this page] GSA Updates Construction Standards GSA Updates Construction Standards
April 8, 2011
GSA UPDATES CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
The General Services Administration (GSA) recently updated Construction Standards in an effort to promote energy efficiency. The new standards make dramatic changes from the old regulations, including a 30 percent reduction in overall energy use allowed and a 20 percent reduction in water usage. Interestingly, one expert in the field of Government Contracting recently told us that these new construction standards are merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to GSA priorities on so-called "Green Technology" designed to promote energy efficiency.
We spoke to Kevin Chace, President of Nu Cen-tury Inc. a company which specializes in marketing to the Federal Government. Mr. Chace's company, Nu Cen-tury Inc., helps businesses secure GSA Contracts and then further aids them in their efforts to negotiate the tricky process of Federal Marketing.
We asked Mr. Chace of Nu Cen-tury Inc, if he thought these changes would have a major impact on Federal Contracting. "It should have relatively little impact because Contractors should have been aware of the "Green emphasis" for the past few years. These new standards are merely one extension of an overall philosophy that has put the GSA in a leadership position when it comes to promoting Green Technologies, said Mr. Chace.
But with the GSA owning more than 8,600 Federal Buildings will there be enough Contractors to properly service this real estate within the new guidelines? According to Mr. Chace, "The short answer is yes. Successful Contractors long ago realized the new playing field and made changes to reflect the new Green emphasis. In fact, the bigger issue will be one of recycling and whether or not the market is prepared to meet those new requirements."
That's apparently an issue because the new standards call for at least a 50 percent commitment to recycle all construction-related waste. Mr. Chace added, "This is an area I know a great deal about and it's critical for Contractors to get on the Green bandwagon if they hope to maximize their ability to penetrate the Federal Market in the 21st Century."
Mr. Chace's company, Nu Cen-tury Inc., helps businesses secure GSA Contracts and then further aids them in their efforts to negotiate the tricky process of Federal Marketing.
