USGBC files for ANSI accreditation

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has filed an application with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to become an ANSI-accredited national standards developer for standards related to green-building practices.

For TFM‘s most recent coverage of this topic, see “Green Wants You” by Brian Kramer.

“Since its beginnings more than a decade ago, USGBC has used a consensus process to develop the LEED® Green Building Rating System,” comments USGBC President, Chief Executive Officer, and Founding Chairman Rick Fedrizzi. “Becoming ANSI accredited will underscore USGBC’s commitment to its core values, which include openness, inclusiveness and collaboration. It is also part of the continual improvement of USGBC.”

In tandem with its ANSI filing, USGBC also announced an amendment to its bylaws to expand USGBC’s membership to include trade and professional associations. Among its first association members is the Polyisocyanurate Manufacturers Association (PIMA). “While PIMA and its members have frequently worked with the USGBC on issues of parallel interest, we have at times found our efforts and ability to have a greater impact hampered by our non-member status,” says Jared Blum, PIMA’s president. “We are thrilled that we can now align the interests of both organizations, work together to mainstream information about the sustainable building industry and widen public awareness of the benefits of energy-efficient construction.”