Leading by example: New professionalism and the government client

The capacity of government client bodies to lead other industry actors in the creation of a more sustainable built environment is assessed. A framework is introduced that records the legislation, guiding principles and policies influencing government clients towards new professional practices embracing dynamic interactions between people, process and technology. The framework is used to analyse case studies related to two US government client organizations: the General Services Administration (GSA) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The study finds that GSA and NREL are actively seeking innovation and influencing their consultants, contractors and other US government agencies through their policies and programmes, notably by piloting new professional practices associated with integrated project delivery and open communication. The initiatives and their effectiveness are further studied in a broader, international context of emerging best professional practices. Government clients are key agents for leading and motivating change, particularly through capacity-building in other professional services firms and contractors. Government clients can further expand their sphere of positive influence specifically in the assessment and integration of emerging technologies and in the extension of professional service contracts related to building performance and occupant engagement.