ASID Foundation and USGBC Regreen Program
The ASID Foundation and USGBC Announce Plans for REGREEN Program
Marks first nationwide green residential remodeling guidelines
(WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nov. 20) 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 that 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 next March at the ASID Conference on Design: INTERIORS 08, in New Orleans: www.asid.org/interiors.
We have the ability to effect major change through existing homes,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “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’s 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, 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.”
About ASID
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is a community of people—designers, industry representatives, educators and students—committed to interior design. Through education, knowledge sharing, advocacy, community building and outreach, the Society strives to advance the interior design profession and, in the process, to demonstrate and celebrate the power of design to positively change people’s lives. Its more than 40,000 members engage in a variety of professional programs and activities through a network of 48 chapters throughout the United States and Canada. www.asid.org
About USGBC
USGBC is a nonprofit organization working to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated. USGBC envisions an environmentally responsible, healthy and prosperous built environment that improves the quality of life. Founded in 1993, the council now comprises more than 12,000 member organizations representing every sector of the building industry and a network of more than 72 local chapters, affiliates and organizing groups. USGBC offers a broad portfolio of LEED green building programs and services; professional education workshops; and the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org. For information about green home building visit USGBC’s newly launched site: www.greenhomeguide.org.
*this news release can be viewed at the USGBC website.