GSA’s Green Proving Ground Program:
Putting Innovative Building Technologies to the Test
Erika Larsen, GSA Public Buildings Service
October 29th, 2013
Overview
GPG leverages GSA’s real estate portfolio
to evaluate innovative technologies that
accelerate GSA’s sustainability goals,
reduce operational costs and lead
market transformation.
Established in 2010
9,184
Owned and Leased Assets
375 million
RSF across the US
1.1 million
Federal employees
400
Federal agencies, bureaus & commissions
GSA Targets
30%
Reduction in Energy Use Intensity, by 2015
26%
Reduction in Water Use Intensity, by 2020
28%
Reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHGs, by 2020
Net Zero
All capital projects by 2020
Executive Order 13514, 2009
Energy Independence and Security Act, 2007
MOU on High Performance and Sustainable Buildings, 2006
Energy Policy Act, 2005
www.wbdg.org/references/federal_mandates.php
Green Proving Ground
Unique Federal Role
 Real life setting for testing
 Objective evaluator, early adopter
 Large buying power to break down
market barriers
Green Proving Ground
Internal subject
matter expert
review
Leadership approval
Technical Report
Findings
Presentations
Install technology
Conduct field work
Implement
Interagency
coordination
Finalize
demonstration
project location &
technical objectives
Report
www.fbo.gov,
keyword “gpg”
3rd-party scoring
Measure & Analyze
External RFI:
Select
Identify
Program Process
Incorporate into
performance
specifications
Engage property
managers and
portfolio planners
Encourage vendor
participation in
GSA’s schedules
program
Analyze data
Engage ESCOs
6 weeks
24 weeks
20 - 52 weeks
12 weeks
Ongoing
Green Proving Ground RFI FY2014
Help Us Find New Technologies
GSA seeks innovative sustainable
technologies to test. Technologies
chosen for evaluation are donated
at no cost or provided via a testing
agreement. RFI open 11/4/13
through 12/2/13
RFI: www.fbo.gov, keyword “gpg”
Green Proving Ground
Performance Factors
 Environmental performance
 Tenant satisfaction
 Installation , commissioning and
operational costs
 Market potential
Green Proving Ground
Deployment Recommendations
Broad
deployment
Pursue deployment
strategies
Targeted
deployment
Do not deploy
at this time
Monitor subsequent
installations and
success
Green Proving Ground
Entry Points for “Proven” Technologies
Replace at End
of Life
Retrofit
New
Construction
Next time
you buy that /
buy this instead
Introduce
technologies that
improve
performance
Choose
best in class
performance/
payback
GPG Technology Evaluations
Completed
 Wireless Sensor Networks
 Condensing Boilers
 Plug Load Control
 Variable Refrigerant Flow
 Occupant Responsive Lighting
 Photovoltaics Laboratory
 Portfolio Assessment – Photovoltaics*
 High R-Value Windows*
 Magnetic Bearing Compressor *
*Public release November, 2013; www.gsa.gpg/gov
GPG Technology Evaluations
Ongoing
 Non-Chemical Water Treatment
 Electrochromic Windows
 Integrated Daylighting Systems
 Glazing Retrofit Coating
 Smart Windows
 Vacuum Sealed Roof Insulation
 PV with Solar Water Heating
 Central Plant Optimization Strategies
 Chilled Beams
 Wireless Pneumatic Thermostat
 Wireless Moisture Sensing Irrigation
 LED Retrofit Luminaire
 Wireless Weather Station Irrigation
 LED Luminaire w/ integrated controls
 Modular Absorption Chiller
 Wireless Lighting Control Systems
 Occupant-responsive HVAC controls
 Honeycomb Solar Thermal Collector
 High efficiency RTU
 Wood-Pellet Fired Biomass Boiler
Recent Deployment: Wireless Network Sensors
Cost effectively monitor multiple
points throughout a data center
Dense network of wireless
sensors provides real-time
information enabling facility
operator to better manage HVAC.
48%
Reduction in facility cooling load
3.4
Years simple payback
On GSA Schedule
Recent Deployment: Advanced Power Strips
Improve control over
workplace plug loads
Schedule-based control, where users determine the day and time when a
circuit is energized, found to be most effective.
26%
Energy reduction at workstations (advanced computer management already
in place)
Nearly 50%
Energy reduction in kitchens and printer rooms
On GSA Schedule
Green Proving Ground
Goals
 GPG technology evaluations inform investment decisions
within GSA, other federal agencies, and the real estate industry.
 Unit costs of technologies are reduced by leveraging GSA’s
portfolio, market share, and federal buying power.
 Increased environmental and financial performance of public
and private buildings.
Questions?
Review the RFI at the FedBizOpps website: www.fbo.gov keyword “gpg”
Erika Larsen
GSA, Public Building Service
GPG, National Program Team
Sustainability Program Manager
(202) 999-0505
erika.larsen@gsa.gov