The NRC-IRC formed a consortium of public and private sector organizations having an interest in the open-plan office environment.

Public Works and Government Services, Real Property Services Branch is the Government of Canada's real property expert, service delivery manager, and strategic advisor. They acquire, manage, operate, maintain, repair, build, and dispose of real property, such as office space, and laboratories and other specialized facilities, for federal departments and agencies. Real Property Services provides safe, healthy, and productive working environments for 179,000 public servants across Canada.

The Building Technology Transfer Forum (BTTF) encourages and facilitates the sharing of technical knowledge, best practices, and management strategies in the fields of building design, construction, maintenance,and operation, and on other related issues between representatives of the National Research Council, Public Works and Government Services Canada, and the Public Works' Departments of each province and territory to enhance and promote progress in these areas.

Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC) is one of Canada's largest real estate management companies with over 6,000 buildings representing some 50 million square feet of space and 40-thousand acres of land. The ORC provides a broad range of real estate services including construction project management, facilities management, portfolio management, and asset rationalization on behalf of the Management Board Secretariat and its client ministries. The corporation operates within the framework of the government agenda, the real estate industry, and market conditions. ORC's activities reach deeply into communities across the province, and they manage real estate assets in approximately 130 communities.

USG Corporation, USA is a leading manufacturer of building materials for the construction and remodelling industries. Their products are used in everything from major commercial developments and residential housing to simple home improvement projects. As the inventor of wallboard and ceiling tile, USG created North America's building materials industry. Their flagship brands include SHEETROCK(r) gypsum panels and DUROCK(r) cement board, which are recognized around the world. Their steadfast commitment to the company's core business beliefs-integrity, safety, performance, quality, diversity, innovation, and service-have helped USG Corp. become the $3 billion Fortune 500 company we are today.

British Columbia Buildings Corporation (BCBC) is a Crown corporation providing accommodation and real estate services to the provincial government and the public sector. BCBC has expertise in all aspects of real estate development and facilities management. The corporation manages over 3500 buildings, comprising more than 24 million square feet of space. The portfolio of leased, owned and maintained properties is located in over 260 communities throughout the province.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is a federal government department specializing in the sustainable development and use of natural resources, energy, minerals and metals, forests, and earth sciences. At NRCan, employees deal with natural resource issues that are important to Canadians. They look at these issues from both a national and international perspective, using expertise in science and technology, policy, and programs. How we manage our land and resources today will determine the quality of life for Canadians both now and in the future.

Steelcase Inc. help individuals and organization around the world work more effectively by providing knowledge, products, and services that enable customers and their consultants to create work environments that harmoniously integrate architecture, furniture and technology. They offer interior architecture products, furniture, technology, and an array of surface materials, work tools, and even complete buildings. Today, Steelcase is an international work effectiveness company. Steelcase Inc. aims to transform the ways people work to help them work more effectively than they ever thought they could.

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