Nov 22 2007
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Foundation and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) have partnered to create the first nationwide green residential remodeling guidelines for existing homes. The guidelines, comprised of best practices using a “whole-house” approach, will be supplemented by learning programs and print and electronic resources for building professionals and homeowners as part of the REGREEN program. A first draft of the guidelines was released at USGBC’s Greenbuild International Conference and Expo earlier this month in Chicago.
A draft of the guidelines is available for public comment. USGBC and ASID urge green design professionals in the industry to review the document at www.regreenprogram.org before the comment period closes on December 10, 2007. The final guidelines will be released at INTERIORS 08: The ASID Conference on Design next March in New Orleans: www.asid.org/interiors.
“We have the ability to effect major change through existing homes,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “Making our homes more energy efficient, resource friendly, healthier and safer for the families who live in them is something we can do now and it is something that everyone deserves.”
Looking ahead, Web-based offerings and instructor-led seminars at regional home shows and expos will demonstrate tools and strategies to assist in green remodeling projects. The newly launched www.regreenprogram.org web site will cover sustainable remodeling topics targeted to building professionals. Consumers will be directed to the USGBC consumer web site www.greenhomeguide.org for helpful tips and resources for green home renovation.
“Awareness of earth-minded initiatives is increasing exponentially and the guidelines fulfill a need within the design industry and among consumers,” says Michael Alin, Hon. FASID, ASID Executive Director. “ASID has been and will continue to be committed to sustainable design. The Society has seen a surge in interest regarding green design across its membership, and partnering with USGBC to create these guidelines is a natural fit.”