#United States #Washington #NIBS #Federal Building Innovation #High Performance Building Guide

NIBS Takes Control of Sustainable Facilities Tool to Drive Federal Building Innovation

On September 19, 2025, the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) announced a critical development in the world of federal infrastructure. The organization has officially taken the helm of the Sustainable Facilities Tool (SFTool), a distinguished digital platform originally curated by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). This platform is set to transform under its new name, the High Performance Building Guide (HPBG), reflecting its broadened goals and ongoing evolution.

The reveal took place during the inaugural session of the 2025 Building Innovation conference, marking a strategic milestone in the ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen the infrastructure that supports federal missions across America.

A Strategic Expansion for NIBS

This transition signifies much more than a mere change in management; it represents a significant amplification of NIBS’s role as the leading facilitator of building science, innovation, and practical application in the nation. Now, with the High Performance Building Guide under its guidance, NIBS aims to provide federal agencies and industry stakeholders with enhanced, performance-oriented resources, empowering them to make more informed and sustainable choices throughout every stage of building—from conceptual design to final delivery.

“We are excited to integrate SFTool into the NIBS ecosystem,” remarked George Guszcza, CEO of NIBS. “This tool has been indispensable for countless professionals navigating the intricate process of sustainable building practices. Under our stewardship, it will be even more attuned to the changing demands of federal agencies, contractors, and policymakers responsible for creating resilient, mission-ready, and cost-effective facilities.”

Addressing National Priorities

The challenges facing federal infrastructure are multifaceted, stemming from natural disasters, aging systems, workforce changes, and complex mission demands. The transition of SFTool to NIBS symbolizes a strategic leap in how the country prepares its public sector to respond effectively to these evolving challenges. NIBS intends to leverage its existing suite of national resources—including tools such as the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG) and ProjNet—to enrich the capabilities of the High Performance Building Guide, ensuring its long-term sustainability. This establishes it as a key resource for the design, procurement, and maintenance of advanced federal facilities.

The High Performance Building Guide will empower agencies and industry partners to align their decisions with national priorities including:

• - Cost-effective infrastructure investments
• - Enhanced facility resilience and operational continuity
• - Compliance with domestic sourcing and 'Buy American' regulations
• - Long-term reductions in maintenance and operating expenses
• - Performance-oriented procurement and delivery strategies

The guide serves as a vital resource that help users evaluate design trade-offs, assess the impact of materials and systems, and plan for durability—all within the context of shifting federal mandates and performance benchmarks.

“This endeavor is about delivering infrastructure that excels,” Guszcza emphasized. “The High Performance Building Guide ensures that every taxpayer dollar spent on federal buildings contributes to long-lasting value, safeguards mission continuity, and fortifies the systems upon which our country relies.”

About NIBS

Founded in 1974 through congressional action, the National Institute of Building Sciences stands as the premier authority in the country regarding the implications and enhancements of the built environment for the American populace. NIBS actively seeks to connect vital research with policy and practical implementations to advance innovation across buildings.

Their mission is to foster a safer, more resilient, and technologically sophisticated infrastructure that benefits American communities and enhances the future of the nation. NIBS leads efforts to establish industry standards and facilitate digital transformation, empowering stakeholders—from building professionals to policymakers—to make informed sustainability and efficiency decisions. They engage experts from diverse sectors to develop solutions ensuring that construction, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness evolve with emerging challenges.

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