WAYNE, PA — Bala Consulting Engineers, Inc. has introduced the Bala Sustainability Index™ (BSI), a groundbreaking tool designed to provide a comprehensive view of sustainability metrics for new construction and major renovations over 20,000 square feet. This innovative index consolidates key sustainability and community impact metrics into one accessible snapshot, allowing building owners and developers to track and promote their green initiatives more effectively.
The BSI offers a holistic overview of a building’s sustainability progress by comparing it with industry standards such as the AIA 2030 Goals, local emissions legislation targets, Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), Energy Use Intensity (EUI), Operational Carbon Intensity (OCI), and Embodied Carbon Intensity (ECI). Additionally, it tracks goals related to water reduction, renewable energy use, and climate resiliency. This information is presented in a straightforward graphic, making it easy for stakeholders to communicate sustainability efforts to tenants and comply with local regulations.
Kimberly Burkert, CEO of Bala Consulting Engineers, highlighted the BSI’s potential to simplify the complex landscape of sustainability metrics. “We believe the Bala Sustainability Index’s consolidated, yet easily understandable, graphics can transform the industry by using simple and common metrics to drive sustainability forward and create real climate action,” she said.
Karen Petersburg, Vice President of Development & Construction for PowerHouse, praised the BSI for its focus on transparency and its ability to maintain sustainability benchmarks throughout a project’s lifecycle. This transparency aids in driving sustainability conversations and keeps goals front and center.
Bala’s proprietary approach involves providing clients with an initial BSI sample at the conclusion of the Concept or Schematic Design Phase, with updates throughout the Design Development and Construction Documents phases. A final index is issued upon design completion.
Data centers are at the forefront of adopting the BSI to enhance industry transparency and community engagement. With increasing requirements for ESG reporting from public companies, the BSI offers a reliable baseline and ongoing reporting capability to meet compliance needs.
The introduction of the Bala Sustainability Index marks a significant advancement for the construction industry, offering a streamlined approach to sustainability that supports both internal goals and regulatory compliance.
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