The International Code Council, ASHRAE, the American Institute of Architects, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America and the U.S. Green Building Council signed a memorandum to collaborate on the development of Standard 189.1, the International Green Construction Code and the LEED green building program.
The unprecedented cooperation aims to create a comprehensive framework for jurisdictions looking to implement and adopt green building regulations and codes and/or provide incentives for voluntary
leadership programs such as LEED.
The agreement outlines the development, maintenance and implementation of new versions of ANSI/ASHRAE/IES/USGBC Standard 189.1, Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings and the IgCC, which will be combined into one regulatory tool. This agreement also endeavors to align the LEED program with the new code to ensure a streamlined, effective set of regulatory and above-code options for jurisdictions across the country.
“Architects have become the leaders in employing green building techniques, and the IgCC, a valuable regulatory tool, provides support leading to the creation of a sustainable, resilient built environment,” said Robert Ivy, AIA’s chief operating officer. “This agreement, which underscores the AIA’s dedication to sustainable design and construction, should lead to more rapid adoption of responsible approaches by designers, builders, developers and a host of other building industry groups.”
“ASHRAE see this as a move forward in green building, reducing fragmentation of compliance documents for users who are pressing toward a more sustainable environment,” ASHRAE President Tom Phoenix said. “Working collaboratively with our industry partners is producing real results that will help improve building performance, streamline regulation, reduce cost and allow us to focus our resources on goals we have in
common” said Dominic Sims, CEO of ICC. “This agreement continues the partnership we began in 2012 and assures that our Members and partners have a meaningful role in shaping the future of the built environment.”
“The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America is pleased to partner with the other organizations in this important collaborative effort in the development of a new standard and green code for the design and construction industry,” said Rita Harrold, the IES director of technology. “IES members will benefit from this alignment of both regulatory and voluntary tools, and we look forward to participating in delivering technical provisions for code intended adoption.”
“This landmark agreement will leverage the unique strengths of each of the five partner organizations to deliver a coordinated, integrated suite of green building tools. An ANSI standard as the basis of a regulatory code to push the market and a rating system to pull the market higher” said Brendan Owens, vice president of the U.S. Green Building Council. “We are collectively dedicated to advancing green building practices and to advancing the broader industry’s understanding about the importance of green building goals and how to achieve them.”
GBCI, Bureau Veritas Begin Strategic Partnership
The Green Building Certification Institute, the third party certification body for the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system, and Bureau Veritas SA, a leading global testing, inspection and certification body, announced a strategic business partnership. As part of the agreement, Bureau Veritas will facilitate LEED certification on behalf of GBCI for LEED green building projects.
“This collaboration with Bureau Veritas helps us take LEED to the next level,” said Rick Fedrizzi, a GBCI board member and president and CEO and founding chair of the U.S. Green Building Council. “Through our collaboration, we will leverage the scale and scope of Bureau Veritas’ operations and quickly build capacity and global reach to deliver best-in-class, third-party certification for LEED.”
“Partnering with GBCI offers Bureau Veritas an active role in LEED, the world’s most widely used green building program,” said Didier Michaud-Daniel, CEO, Bureau Veritas. “LEED certification allows us to expand our certification offerings related to quality, human health, environmental protection and social responsibility: all incredibly important priorities for our clients and the communities in which we work.”
The agreement will allow for enhanced customer engagement and local support for LEED.
“GBCI and Bureau Veritas will be able to offer local touch points and resources for green building teams on the ground in a way that we have never before been able to offer,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, chief operating officer, USGBC, and president, GBCI. “Connecting with our customers and deepening our engagement with them will help accelerate the adoption of green building practices and deliver its benefits to these key economies.
“We want our users to have a positive and seamless experience with LEED, no matter where they are across the globe. GBCI is building world-class infrastructure to support the uptake of green building around the world.”
Earlier this year, USGBC released its list of the top 10 countries for LEED outside the U.S., with Canada taking the lead, followed by China and India. “USGBC projects significant growth in green building activity in countries like China, India and Brazil in 2014,” said Ramanujam. “Looking at the LEED project registration and certification trends of these countries and across the globe, it is critical to build up the
infrastructure to support this development.”
Worldwide, more than 60,000 commercial projects are using LEED, totaling 11.2 billion gross square feet. Additionally, more than 154,000 residential units are using the LEED for Homes rating system.
The growth of LEED reflects its global adaptability as the world’s most widely used and recognized system guiding the design, construction, operations and maintenance of green buildings. LEED is a critical tool in creating structures that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions; create healthier indoor environments for workers, students and community members; and lower utility bills for building owners through reduced
energy and water use.
AT A GLANCE
WHO: ASHRAE
WHAT: architecture organization
WHERE: Washington D.C.
WEBSITE: www.ashrae.org
Association
U.S. Localities have adopted LEED and
Green Building-based Policies
Local USBGC Members across 79 u.s. Chapters
Projects are Currently Participating in LEED.
Hours Were Donated by 5,500 Active Volunteers
