IFMA Supports Bill Promoting Energy And Infrastructure

The International Facility Management Association commended the U.S. House of Representatives for its recent passage of the “Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010,” a bill which calls for professional training and credentialing of all federal building personnel.

Representatives Russ Carnahan, D-MO, Judy Biggert, R-IL, and Pete Sessions, R-TX, along with Senators Tom Carper, D-DE, and Susan Collins, R-ME, introduced the legislation in April, and the U.S. Senate passed its version of the bill in July. It is expected that the bill will be formally signed into law by President Barack Obama soon.

The bill directs the General Services Administration — in consultation with industry associations and others — to identify core competencies, professional certifications, a recommended curriculum, and continuing education courses to ensure that federal buildings are operated in accordance with industry best practices and standards.

Congress and the president have established stringent goals for federal agencies to achieve reductions in energy and water use and greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving these goals requires personnel engaged in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of federal buildings to have the appropriate skills and training. This bill provides federal agencies with these necessary tools.

“This legislation strengthens the commitment to energy efficiency made by previous congresses and allows the federal government to manage its substantial inventory of facilities nationwide more effectively,” said Francis J. Kuhn, CFM, CFMJ, chair of the IFMA board of directors. “This is recognition that having trained, credentialed personnel implementing best practices and solutions will save millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars, improve the workplace for the nation’s workforce, and raise the bar for facility management standards. Working with the government to help create a healthier and improved built environment is a win-win situation for us all.”