This week NASF submitted comments to GSA regarding green building certification systems. NASF asked that GSA recommend the use of inclusive green building certification systems that recognize wood as a preferred green building material, which will help stimulate the economies of rural, forest-based communities.
The comments also highlighted the importance of giving equal credit to credible forest certification standards and recognizing the benefits of wood through science-based methodologies that report measurable and comparable environmental impacts of building materials. NASF also encouraged GSA to formalize a process for adopting existing and new green building rating systems as they are developed.
This comment period is part of an effort by GSA to fulfill its requirements to provide the Department of Energy with a recommendation regarding the certification of green Federal buildings.