The former head of the U.S. Green Building Council says the Biden Administration’s formation of the National Building Performance Standards Coalition is a “tremendous” step in the right direction to raise building performance standards in the U.S.
This action, along with an effort to boost sustainability on federal properties, has the “potential to merge federal leadership and fiscal resources with lower governments’ capacities for experimentation and execution,” writes Mahesh Ramanujam, former USGBC CEO. The coalition could achieve much while circumventing gridlock on Capitol Hill, he says.
The coalition, a partnership between the White House and 33 state and local governments, aims to deliver cleaner, healthier, and more affordable buildings by advancing building performance policies in each of the members’ jurisdictions by Earth Day 2024.
The coalition recognizes that there is no “one-size-fits-all” standard when it comes to standards and codes for buildings. Differences in climates and environments, energy resource distributions, material supply chains, legacy building stock compositions, community preferences, market dynamics, and other variables add complexity.
Taking these variables into account could make code development more effective locally, but on the other hand, Ramanujam adds, the lack of a true national building performance standard may limit its impact.
Related Stories
| Aug 11, 2010
Parsons Brinckerhoff names new CEO
Parsons Brinckerhoff announced the appointment of George J. Pierson as the firm’s CEO effective January 1, 2010. Mr. Pierson, currently President and COO of the firm’s Americas division, succeeds Keith J. Hawksworth, who becomes Chairman.
| Aug 11, 2010
William D. Bast, Thornton Tomasetti, ascends to NCSEA presidency
The National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) announced new officers, President William “Bill” D. Bast of Thornton Tomasetti, Chicago, IL, Vice President James Malley of Degenkolb Engineers, San Francisco, CA, and Secretary Ben Nelson of Martin/Martin, Inc., Denver, CO.
| Aug 11, 2010
Swiss Farms to open drive-thru grocery
Swiss Farms, America’s drive-through grocer, will unveil its new prototype store designed by retail design and branding firm, Chute Gerdeman Retail. The new store, in Ridley Township, Pa., features a new brand identity, an eye-catching barn motif and 21st century touches, including LED displays that tie merchandise offerings to the weather forecast.
| Aug 11, 2010
Indie Energy's geothermal technology earns U.S. Department of Energy funding
Indie Energy Systems Company, LLC announced today that it has been awarded funding by the U.S. Department of Energy for the continued development of the Company's smart geothermal technologies for commercial and public buildings. The $2.45 million grant will contribute to an innovative geothermal conversion of the Local 150 International Union of Operating Engineers office campus in Countryside, Illinois.
| Aug 11, 2010
IFMA names Tony Keane President and CEO
The International Facility Management Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony “Tony” J. Keane, CAE, as the association’s new president and CEO. Keane’s first day will be Jan. 18, 2010. His appointment coincides with the announced retirement of David J. Brady, current IFMA president and CEO, at the end of February 2010.
| Aug 11, 2010
International Code Council elects officers, directors
Members of the International Code Council elected Clark County (Nevada) Director of Development Services Ron Lynn as President, Decatur (Alabama) Building Director Jimmy Brothers as Vice President and Chesterfield County (Virginia) Building Official Bill Dupler as Secretary/Treasurer. Adolf Zubia, Las Cruces (New Mexico) Fire Chief, will serve as Immediate Past President.
| Aug 11, 2010
50% increase in green building programs since 2007
In the wake of an extended global economic slump, local communities are pushing ahead and expanding their green building programs. More than one in five U.S. cities with populations greater than 50,000 surveyed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) report having a policy to promote green buildings, accounting for more than 53 million people.
