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in the Green Procurement Compilation

Learn & Plan Topics

  • Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

    Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is most simply described as the conditions inside the building. It includes air quality, but also access to da...

  • Indoor Air Quality

    EPA studies indicate indoor levels of pollutants may be up to ten times higher than outdoor levels.

    Source: Environ...

  • Occupant Comfort

    Comfortable workers are more likely to be productive and engaged with their work than those who struggle to work in spaces that create barriers and ...

  • Materials, Furniture, and Furnishings Replacement

    Daily wear and tear means that materials, furniture and furnishings require periodic replacement.

  • Building Operations and Maintenance Services

    Follow these sustainable strategies as your space renovations are complete and the building and interiors are operated in an environmentally sustai...

  • Buildings and Health

    The challenge for building design and operations is to identify and eliminate health risks while also providing positive physical, emotional, and...

  • Energy & Atmosphere

    Buildings and facilities rely on the operation of mechanical systems and electrical systems to maintain a high level of indoor environmental qual...

  • Health

    Good health has both physical and psychological components. Being healthy means the absence of disease and illness, as well as feeling posi...

  • Building Systems Upgrades

    This page details Sustainable Strategies to consider as your space undergoes a building system upgrade to improve energy, water use, and occupant co...

  • Biophilic Design

    Learn why nature is so important to us, what we know about the benefits of nature, and how biophilia is being applied in buildings, particularly in ...

  • Sustainable Response to COVID-19

    Resources on sustainably responding to COVID-19 compiled by GSA's OFHPGB

  • Enhancing Health with Indoor Air

    Four key levers to enhance health and performance by improving indoor air.

Green Products

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the state of the air within a space. A space with good indoor air quality is one that is low in toxins, contaminants and odors. Good air quality possible when spaces are well ventilated (with outside air) and protected from pollutants brought into the space or by pollutants off-gassed within the space. Strategies used to create good IAQ include bringing in 100% outside air, maintaining appropriate exhaust systems, complying with ASHRAE Standard 62.1, utilizing high efficiency MERV filters in the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, installing walk-off mats at entryways, prohibiting smoking with the space and near operable windows and air intakes, providing indoor plants, and using only low-emitting / non-toxic materials and green housekeeping products.

EPA | Indoor Air Qualityopens in new window

ASHRAEnon government site opens in new window

Whole Building Systems

Materials

  • Paints and Coatings

    Paints and coatings provide an aesthetically appealing atmosphere for a commercial setting. Paints and coatings should contain low or no VOCs to m...

  • Steel Frame

    Window frames are one component of a window assembly. In naturally ventilated buildings window frames allow the window to be opened to bring in fre...

  • Aluminum Frame

    Window frames are one component of a window assembly. In naturally ventilated buildings window frames allow the window to be opened to bring in fre...

  • Under Floor Air Distribution

    Under floor air distribution systems supply conditioned air to an occupied space via diffusers in a raised floor. This system effectively maintains...

  • Thermostat

    A thermostat is a component of the HVAC controls system. Detection and communication of the space temperature is a critical component of overall HV...

  • Entrance Mats

    Entrance Mats located at the main doors of the building, either on the exterior or interior, trap the contaminants from foot traffic. Dust, dirt ...

  • Plants / Planters

    Interior plants contribute to an aesthetically pleasing environment. There are several different types of indoor plants, all which vary accordi...

  • Vinyl Frame

    Window frames are one component of a window assembly. In naturally ventilated buildings window frames allow the window to be opened to bring in fre...

  • Fiberglass Frame

    Window frames are one component of a window assembly. In naturally ventilated buildings window frames allow the window to be opened to bring in fre...

  • Glass - Single Pane

    Single pane windows are not typical in new commercial buildings as they resist the transfer of heat poorly and have an insulating value (R-value) of...

  • Composite Wood

    Interior doors are often made of a composite wood core covered with a laminate or wood veneer. Doors made with engineered wood are cheaper than sol...

  • Open Ceiling

    Open ceilings offer a modern, industrial-type feel to a space as duct-work and piping are typically visible. Like bare concrete floors, open ceiling...