DSA Attends Sustainable Facilities Forum in Sacramento

The California Division of the State Architect (DSA) attended the annual Sustainable Facilities Forum on May 9 at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Sacramento. State Architect Ida Clair co-chairs the advisory board for the forum along with Department of General Services (DGS) Office of Sustainability Manager Dan Burgoyne. The forum allows state regulators, school districts, policy makers, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders in the public design industry to meet and discuss sustainable practices for the construction of public buildings.

“This forum and similar conferences are a catalyst, not just for the outreach opportunities for relationship building and governmental transparency, but a catalyst for learning. There are always learning opportunities created in attending the educational sessions and while visiting the industry booths,” said DSA Principal Architect Eric Driever.

The event kicked off with keynote addresses from the State Water Resources Control Board and California Energy Commission (CEC). CEC Commissioner Andrew McCallister discussed the significant energy consumption in California on a 95-degree day, emphasizing the crucial need to adopt sustainable best practices.

CEC Commissioner Andrew McAllister delivers keynote address

“One of the great benefits from attending this forum is the opportunity it presents to connect with stakeholders in the sustainability space and the opportunity that provides for learning: learning about the benefits, challenges and trends in the industries surrounding sustainable schools,” said Driever.

During the networking sessions, attendees roamed the exhibit area which featured booths from state and local agencies and private businesses that sell sustainable materials and features to public schools.

Many state agencies were in attendance, including the California Conservation Corps who were promoting their program that employs youth to work on sustainability projects, the Department of Rehabilitation who were promoting their Pathways to Success Project that funds sustainable career paths, the Department of Pesticide Regulation who were promoting their sustainable pest management roadmap, and the Building Standards Commission (BSC) who were educating attendees on CALGreen regulations. “I’m looking forward to attending the DGS sustainability educational session,” said BSC Associate Architect Tim Freeman.

An attendee drops by the BSC table for information regarding CALGreen

The educational sessions included CALGreen updates, commercial fleet electrification, climate resilient infrastructure framework, and a variety of other topics intended to increase sustainability practices in California schools and facilities.

The forum wrapped up with an awards ceremony, recognizing sustainable facilities in California. DGS’ May Lee State Office Complex took home the award for the state government category. Great job DGS for exemplifying excellent sustainability in public buildings!