This week is the High Performance Building Coalition’s (HPBC) High-Performance Building Week. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is one of 200 HPBC members that support policies and legislation that advance the next generation of buildings. This national week of education and advocacy brings together manufacturers, trade associations, skilled labor and contractors around the message that buildings are an integral part of America’s infrastructure.

“This is an important week in that not only is it High Performance Building Week, it’s been informally coined Infrastructure Week, as the administration is kicking off a push improve the nation’s infrastructure,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president & CEO, USGBC. “In the U.S. there is a need for massive infrastructure improvements in roads and bridges, as well as hospitals and schools—all of which make up the built environment.”

“Through the LEED green building program, we are not only helping to build better buildings, we’re advancing new innovations and technologies, promoting energy that is clean and efficient and powering green jobs and the green economy,” added Ramanujam.

The HPBC is a private sector coalition providing guidance and support to the High-Performance Buildings Caucus of the U.S. Congress. The Caucus is co-chaired by Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT).

“High-Performance Building Week is a time when the industry can come together with a unified voice to raise awareness of policy initiatives, organizational priorities, and cutting-edge innovations that drive the construction and building industry throughout the country,” said Dain Hansen, chair of the High-Performance Building Coalition and senior vice president with The IAPMO Group. “This year we have a full slate of briefings, receptions and a congressional lobby day to unveil the broadly supported policy and appropriation priories for the industry. Buildings play a vital role as a part of America’s infrastructure, and Congress and the White House need to hear from our community in making sound policy.”

The High-Performance Building Coalition has planned several events this week in D.C., highlights include:

• High Performance Building Coalition Day on the Hill Wednesday, June 7, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – Coalition members are heading to Capitol Hill to meet with High Performance Building Congressional Caucus members and their staff.
• Congressional Reception Wednesday, June 7, 5-7 p.m. Location: 101 Constitution Avenue, Suite 825 East, Washington, DC 20001
• Congressional Briefing: The Critical Role Buildings Play in America’s Infrastructure Thursday, June 8, noon-1 p.m. Location: 2103 Rayburn House Office Building

The High-Performance Buildings Caucus of the U.S. Congress was formed to heighten awareness and inform policymakers about the major impact buildings have on our health, safety, and welfare, and the opportunities to design, construct, and operate high-performance buildings that reflect our concern for these impacts. Fundamental to these concerns include protecting life and property, developing novel building technologies, facilitating and enhancing U.S. economic competitiveness, increasing energy efficiency in the built environment, assuring buildings are constructed resiliently, and supporting the development of private sector standards, codes, and guidelines that address these concerns.