GBA supports decision-makers at pivotal stages of project development. Our services range from energy assessments to advising on integrating sustainability into capital planning, minor and major renovations, new construction, neighborhood development, and community planning.

Our goal is to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, lower utility costs, prevent pollution, improve indoor air quality, foster occupant health and wellness, and increase resiliency to extreme weather and emergency events.

To achieve these goals, we work closely with:

• Financiers, Lenders, Grant Makers

• Municipal Government Planning, Utilities

• Architects, Engineers, and Designers

• Builders and Developers

• Building Owners and Tenants

• Facilities Managers and Building Operators

• Product Manufacturers

Our work fosters market demand for green building projects, services, and materials, and a workforce skilled in sustainable construction and operations.

Key areas of technical assistance include:

• Education and Advocacy promoting green, healthy, and high-performance design, building, and operational practices

• Green Project Resources for achieving sustainable projects

• Energy Assessments: Calculating energy, emissions and water use intensity, establishing a baseline, setting target goals for reduction, and providing energy and water performance plans

• RFP Creation: Assistance in crafting RFPs for desired green building work

• Expert Guidance: Serving as third-party experts to design teams and building owners

• Project Team Building: Identifying and connecting projects to service providers, product manufacturers, funding and financing sources

• Funding Support: Writing support letters, identifying opportunities, assisting with grant applications

• Developing a Pipeline of Projects: connecting financial institutions with projects; assisting underwriting staff with risk assessment; supporting building owners with the identification, scope and design development of projects, including benchmarking, relevant funding sources, and service providers to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects

• Life Cycle Assessment: educating manufacturers about sustainable building product and material labeling and certification programs

• Celebrating Progress: Highlighting project successes and local case studies through our website, project directory, newsletter, blog, and social media channels

Notable Project Examples

GBA’s technical assistance is often delivered behind the scenes, well before a project is public. Highlights of current and past projects include:

Pittsburgh Public Schools

PPS and GBA have worked together since 2010 to pursue a portfolio-wide energy use reduction goal. GBA conducted preliminary energy use assessments and meets with the PPS facilities team annually to review opportunities to improve performance and reduce costs. GBA has advised and guided PPS to develop projects from concept to implementation, connecting them to subject matter experts for execution. GBA helped PPS prepare proposals for green building projects; trained six PPS building operators to achieve Urban Green’s Green Professional O&M credential (2023); and regularly trains professionals in green building design and construction.

Most recently, GBA partnered with PPS and Wilkinsburg School District to win a Department of Energy Renew America’s Schools grant valued at $15M (2024) to improve resiliency and upgrade energy and mechanical systems in 20 schools.

David L. Lawrence Convention Center 

GBA has provided technical support to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC), one of Pittsburgh’s hallmark green buildings, at evolving levels, starting with the design competition in which Rafael Viñoly Architects (RVA) were chosen as lead architect in 1999. GBA led the DLCC’s LEED-NC documentation and from 2010 – 2012, led a case study and analysis of the DLCC’s green features, performance, and operations, helping the DLCC achieve LEED-EBOM Platinum status, which was renewed in 2017. GBA continues to monitor energy and water performance and evaluate capital improvement plans to this day.     

Mountain Watershed Association

GBA hosted a sustainability charette, assisted with grant writing and identified qualified project team members to design a community gathering and educational space for the owner’s headquarters in rural Fayette County, PA (2023, ongoing).

Phipps Center for Sustainable Landscapes 

GBA acted as advisor specific to certifications and products in the CSL’s integrative pursuit of LEED Platinum, the Living Building Challenge, and Sustainable SITES (4 stars).  The CSL has also achieved Net Zero Energy certification and WELL Platinum. GBA continues to monitor energy and water performance, evaluate capital improvement plans, and train facility managers in green operations.

City of Pittsburgh Climate Action Planning

Since 2006, GBA has provided building sustainability advice to City planning staff and developers. GBA led the creation and adoption of the Pittsburgh Climate Action Plan, Version 1 (2006); facilitated a Green Government Task Force to oversee the City’s participation in the ICLEI Cities for Climate Protection Campaign (2006); advocated for and saw the City’s density bonus legislation through City Council to the Zoning Office (2006); updated the Climate Action Plan, Versions 2 and 3 (2012, 2018); developed the City’s first greenhouse gas inventory (2012); launched the Pittsburgh 2030 District (2012); supported the development of the City’s benchmarking ordinance (2018); reviewed institutional master plans for UPMC, Allegheny General Hospital, Carlow University, Duquesne University, and University of Pittsburgh; and reviewed pre-development applications for projects seeking zoning approval in the Riverfront and Uptown EcoInnovation Districts (2020-2022).

Oakland Energy Master Plan

GBA currently manages the Oakland Energy Master Plan project on behalf of the City of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Museums, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC, Phipps Conservatory, Carlow University, and local utility providers. This collective recognizes the importance of creating a comprehensive energy plan for Oakland and planning for the next evolution of its shared energy systems.

Pittsburgh International Airport Terminal Modernization

GBA participated in the working group to advise the Airport Authority on the benefits of green building certification. The project went on to follow the guiding principles of Nature, Technology and Community and is targeting a LEED-Silver certification or higher upon completion. Pittsburgh International Airport was also the first airport to commit to a 2030 District.

Hazelwood Green

GBA served as a Technical Advisor to the Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) in its development of the Preliminary Land Development Plan as a Specially Planned District (2018-2019.) for the 178-acre former brownfield site, now Hazelwood Green. GBA continues to monitor energy and water performance at the site.

eCenter @ Linden Pointe 

GBA provided the City of Hermitage funding support, green building specifications and review, contractor education and training, and promotion for this startup business incubator. The project earned a LEED Silver certification in 2011.