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.

“Since its beginnings more than a decade ago, USGBC has used a consensus process to develop the LEED Green Building Rating System,” says Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC president, CEO and founding chairman. “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.”

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is USGBC’s chief program encouraging the practice of sustainable building. By employing green building strategies and practices, structures can achieve certain levels of LEED certification.

In addition to its ANSI filing, USGBC has also announced an amendment to its bylaws to expand USGBC’s membership to include trade and professional associations.

“Opening our membership to professional and trade associations that represent different communities within our diverse industry will only strengthen our ability to lead the transformation of the built environment,” says Fedrizzi.