News

Comparing Ratings Systems: Choosing the Shade of Green That's Right For You
Results of GSA's Rating Comparison to be Revealed at Ecobuild Federal

Centerville, Mass. (October 5, 2006) — Among the scores of educational sessions at the Ecobuild Federal conference program Dec. 4-7, at the Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C., "Comparing Ratings Systems: Choosing the Shade of Green That's Right For You" is scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, 2006 from 8:00am to 9:00am. The Ecobuild Federal conference and exhibit is an annual event focused on Sustainable, Green and High-Performance Solutions for the Built Environment.

Comments Ecobuild Principal George Borkovich, "There has been a lot of discussion about the costs of LEED professional accreditation and project certification becoming more reasonable. I believe high costs will prohibit the majority of design and construction firms and facilities owners/developers from using the rating system or including environmental improvements into their projects. While I cannot predict which rating system will ultimately become the industry standard, lower cost, easier to use systems appear to be on the right course. In the 1980's I saw a similar thing happen with CAD (computer-aided design). Few firms could afford the $100,000+ price tags on a single, dedicated turnkey workstation. But then a little company named Autodesk came along with software that could operate off a firm's existing pc, with an add-on cost of only a couple thousand dollars. Today, none of the companies offering the expensive solutions remain in business, while Autodesk is now the industry leader. Pricing rules implementation."

The "Comparing Rating Systems" panel discussion, presented by Green Building Product News, will review four popular ratings systems in use today by design and construction professionals: GreenGlobes, LEED, ENERGY STAR, and the Model Green Home Guidelines. Attendees can explore the benefits of each, see how they relate, and learn how they differ. The presentation will also include the findings of GSA's recent ratings comparison study.

Speakers include:

Moderator:
	Mike Matthews, Editor, Green Building Product News

Panelists:
	Don Horn, General Services Administration, Director of Sustainable Design
	Vicki Worden, Commercial Programs, Green Building Initiative
	Emily English, Green Building Program Manager, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
	Jean Lupinacci-Rausch, Director, Commercial and Industrial Branch, Climate Protection Partnerships Division, ENERGY STAR Buildings Program, US Environmental Protection Agency
	Sandra Leibowitz Earley, Principal, Sustainable Design Consulting

Adds Richard Vendola, Ecobuild Principal, "Whether one uses LEED, Green Globes, EnergyStar or another system is unimportant. In the end, what really matters is that the construction industry as a whole embraces the issues of eco-friendly, safe, secure, and better performing buildings. As producers of the Ecobuild conferences, our events are trying to provide the majority of the industry with a complete look at the issues and options so firms can decide the best way to improve their projects."

About Ecobuild America, LLC, Producer of Ecobuild Federal & AEC-ST Federal
Ecobuild America, LLC (Centerville, MA) under the leadership of principals Richard C. Vendola, Jr., and George Borkovich manages and produces Ecobuild America, Ecobuild Federal, AEC-ST, and AEC-ST Federal. Together they have a depth of experience in technology and event planning, for the AEC industry, including creating and managing the former A/E/C SYSTEMS International conference and exhibition.

About United States General Services Administration
GSA is the largest, commercial-style, real-estate organization in the United States, providing workplaces for 1 million federal workers. It provides federal agencies with construction, leasing, space management, renovation, maintenance and other real estate services in office buildings, courthouses, laboratories, border stations and warehouses. GSA controls 320 million square feet of space in 1,800 federally owned and 6,500 leased buildings in 1,600 communities.

NOTE TO PRESS: For complimentary press pass fax a request on your letterhead to 215-821-1263. Access additional releases at www.ecobuildfederal.com.