Washington, D.C. — The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced a Memorandum of Intent outlining collaborative efforts to promote sustainability, energy efficiency and environmentally responsible building operations. Representatives of IFMA and USGBC will sign the agreement on Oct. 25, 2007, at IFMA’s World Workplace 2007 Conference & Expo in New Orleans.

The memorandum establishes a cooperative relationship between IFMA and USGBC that promotes healthy, sustainable and environmentally sound facility management practices. It acknowledges voluntary measures as the desired goal and calls for an open dialogue between the organizations on legislative and regulatory initiatives that embrace best practices in green construction and sustainable operations.

The agreement also encourages cooperative activities in the development of educational initiatives — such as USGBC workshops and IFMA core competency courses — and the cross-promotion of Continuing Education Units (CEU) and the Leadership in Engineering and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) exam. IFMA and USGBC will also collaborate at each organization’s annual conference.

"IFMA members are always looking for ways to fine tune their facility assets by maximizing their bottom lines and minimizing their carbon footprints," said IFMA President and Chief Executive Officer David J. Brady. "Working with USGBC to promote sustainable practices encourages healthier and more productive workplace environments and creates a tremendous potential for energy savings and reduced emissions."

IFMA will work with USGBC as a Greenbuild Top-Tier Partner — a group that recognizes the need for moving the building industry toward a more sustainable design approach. Other Top-Tier Partners include the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Urban Land Institute.

"Sharing best practices among professionals in our arena will drive the industry to build and operate more sustainable buildings," said USGBC President, Chief Executive Officer and Founding Chair Rick Fedrizzi. “We are thrilled to be working with IFMA, so much so that it made sense for us to use World Workplace to launch the next version of the LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System. Working with IFMA to help develop better understanding and more tools that further green building practices are just some of the ways both organizations will help deliver buildings that are healthier, more environmentally responsible and profitable."

IFMA and USGBC will finalize the agreement at a press conference on Oct. 25, at the New Orleans Marriott at the Convention Center, Fleur de Lis conference room. The press conference will feature representatives from IFMA, USGBC and the Alliance for Sustainable Built Environments.

The World Workplace 2007 Expo will be open Oct. 24, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.; Oct. 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; and Oct. 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For a complete list of conference highlights or more information, visit www.worldworkplace.org.

About USGBC:
USGBC is a nonprofit organization working to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated. USGBC envisions an environmentally responsible, healthy and prosperous built environment that improves the quality of life. Founded in 1993, the council now comprises more than 12,000 member organizations representing every sector of the building industry and a network of more than 70 local chapters, affiliates and organizing groups. USGBC offers a broad portfolio of LEED green building programs and services; professional education workshops; and the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org .

About IFMA:
IFMA is the world’s largest and most widely recognized international association for professional facility managers, supporting more than 19,000 members in 60 countries. The association’s members, represented in 125 chapters and 15 councils worldwide, manage more than 37 billion square feet of property and annually purchase more than $100 billion in products and services. Formed in 1980, IFMA certifies facility managers, conducts research, provides educational programs, recognizes facility management degree and certificate programs and produces World Workplace, the world’s largest facility management conference and exposition. For more information, visit www.ifma.org.