Vote for Whole Systems Integrative Design Standard Guide (Open until Dec. 31)

Consensus guidance for Whole Systems Integrative Design is needed to ensure a common understanding of approach, needs, benefits, effectiveness and efficiency. This Standard is intended to be an ANSI Standard. This Standard covers natural systems, watersheds, habitat, and soil health for the whole built environment including communities, infrastructure, facilities, buildings and homes. It contains five sections:

1. Reviewers – issues to consider
2. Background
a. Definition
b. Everyone is practicing Integrative Design – so they say?
c. The Need for WS-IDP
d. Linear vs. Integrative Design Structure
3. Practice Suggestions and Template
4. Possible Metrics and Benchmarks
5. Issues to be addressed in a future Reference Guide

If approved, the Standard will set out to provide the following global benefits:
•Help stop dangerous climate change;
•Reduce long-term increasing energy costs, improve energy security and independence, and protect the global economy; and
•Higher ratings for needed capital market investments in certified buildings.

Additional benefits will include cost savings, design innovation, market differentiation, long-term customer relationships, liability reduction, public accountability, and increased customer and employee good will.

The Standard will also facilitate certified buildings with:
•100% carbon neutrality;
•Mandatory energy efficiency;
•Substantial use of green-e renewable power;
•Certified sustainable product content;
•Certified emissions reductions credit for CO2, SOx, NOx, mercury, particulates, and VOCs; and
•LEED Rating

The Draft Standard is Fully Supported by the IDP Committee and has been vetted through a year of consensus. It was launched in 2005 by the gracious and leadership support of the City of Chicago.

OFFICIAL BALLOT VOTE. Please vote on this Consensus Standard by December 31 by filling out the Ballot Form at this link which also contains the Standard and background.