Officials say it will be the first code-intended
commercial green building standard in the United States.
ASHRAE’s proposed green building
standard is currently undergoing its fourth public review.
Known as standard 189.1, “Standard for the Design of
High Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings,” it is
being jointly written by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and
Air-Conditioning Engineers, the Illuminating Engineering Society and the U.S.
Green Building Council.
Officials say it will
be the first code-intended commercial green building standard in the United
States. Publication of the final standard is scheduled for early next year.
“This is one of the most
highly-anticipated building standards ever released,” said ASHRAE President
Gordon Holness. “ASHRAE’s commitment to excellence and transparency in true
consensus standards development is reflected in the quality of and interest in standard
189.1.”
Officials involved with
writing the standard say it will encompass all areas of sustainable
construction practices.
“The standard, once
published, provides a ‘total building sustainability package’ for those who
strive to design, build and operate green buildings,” said Kent Peterson, chairman
of the committee charged with writing the standard. “From site location to
energy use to recycling, this standard will set the foundation for green
buildings through its adoption into local codes. The dedication of those tasked
with writing the standard has been unwavering. There are no short cuts to
creating a quality, comprehensive green building standard that reflects input
from all corners of the building community.”
The standard is available for
comments until Nov. 2. Go to ASHRAE’s Web site to view
drafts of the document.
