Attendees of the Washington, D.C., event discussed national sustainability and energy-saving effort. 

Senior White House adviser Nancy Sutley was among the guests at Thursday’s federal summit sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council. 

Attendees of the Washington, D.C., event discussed national sustainability and energy-saving efforts, and the council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design building-rating program.

According to the green building council, U.S. buildings are responsible for 39 percent of carbon-dioxide emissions, 40 percent of energy consumption, 13 percent of water consumption and 15 percent of the nation’s annual gross domestic product.

The USGBC says more efficient buildings can meet 85 percent of future energy demands and create 2.5 million American jobs.

Group founder and President/CEO Rick Fedrizzi said the summit is happening at a crucial time for America’s energy policy.

“Green building and retrofitting is at the top of the legislative agenda, and now is the time to work together toward the common goals of advancing green building and improving our nation’s economy,” Fedrizzi said. “The federal summit provides a unique opportunity to discuss critical issues and the leadership role of the federal government in mitigating climate change.”

At the meeting, Kevin Kampshcroer, acting director of U.S. General Services Administration’s high-performance green buildings office, and Mark Ginsburg, a senior executive in U.S. Department of Energy’s renewable energy division, were recognized for their outstanding leadership in and dedication to green building with the council’s Federal Green Building Leadership Award.